The benefits of travel, leisure and recreation are increasingly recognized as great ways to boost your health. Getting away for a spell is a fantastic way to reduce blood pressure, anxiety and stress. In Houston you can leave all your worries at the airport and come back all the better to take them on, feeling calm, relaxed and rested.
Most calming spots in Houston to help reduce anxiety (stress)
The Westin Downtown
Courtesy of The Westin Downtown
The Westin is, as usual, a name synonymous with quality and relaxation. Its laid-back design and calm atmosphere is perfect for taking the edge off. The Westin is also conveniently located near most of the activities you’ll want to do in the city, including the Discovery Green, the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Houston Symphony.
The Lancaster Hotel
Courtesy of The Lancaster Hotel
The Lancaster’s classy atmosphere and pristine accommodations are sure to set you at ease. You’ll be really well looked after in this historic building, and for some incredible rates to boot. The Lancaster was built in 1926, and it remains a significant landmark of the city for its beautiful Italian Renaissance detailing.
The Granduca Houston
Courtesy of The Granduca Houston
The locals know the Granduca Houston as the Palace of the Duke, and it really does feel like the most luxurious of Italian villas. The Granduca is right in the heart of Uptown Park, near the Galleria. Its charming Italian comforts, incredible cuisine and quiet atmosphere have garnered tons of awards from the likes of Forbes, Conde Nast, The Houston Press and many more.
Best Ways to Chill in Houston
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Houston may just be one of the most laid-back cities to de-stress, relax and unwind. There really is a whole range of options depending on your tastes, but for a quiet and relaxing time you can’t go wrong with a day at spas, a long walk in one of Houston’s many parks, or a drink of choice at one its many cafes, bars, patios, and restaurants.
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Relax by taking in some of the amazing exhibits in the United States at Houston’s Natural History museum, where you’ll find, among other things, a fantastic collection of dinosaur fossils, mummies and ancient artifacts, as well as a state of the art planetarium and an incredible butterfly garden.
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The Galveston Seawall is a favorite with Houstonians. Originally built in the early 1900s to defend the city from hurricane waters, the Seawall continues to serve its purpose, but now also attracts visitors year-round, who come to relax by the sea and view the charming murals drawn on the wall by children.
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The locals will tell you that, if you are really looking for a nice quiet spot to chill and de-stress in Houston, you probably want to head to places like the Agora Cafe, Beans Cafe, La Madeline French Bistro, Dolce Vita Spa, Eggs and I Restaurant, and the Thai Jasmine Tea-House. Chances are that you’ll find your taste and speed with just the right thing to do in Houston.
Relaxing Outdoors
Of course, The Lone Star state is a great place to unwind in the outdoors. Whether it’s a day-hike, a short walk or a week’s worth of outdoor camping, you can find some truly serene spots within a short drive of the city. Houston’s many parks and green spaces are also fantastic places to kick off your shoes, enjoy the sun and nap in the shade of a tree.
Memorial Park
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Over 4 million people visit Memorial Park each year
to see and enjoy the amazing green space. It’s an oasis of calming greenery located right in the heart Houston. The park is also one of the largest in the United States, so if you’re looking to relax without too many people around, this might be the place for you.
Levy Park
Courtesy of Levy Park
The renovations that have gone into Levy Park have made it a little slice of heaven and a gorgeous urban green space. The park is a beautiful place to relax, walking around the arbor and trails, or to enjoy a nice peaceful lunch on the picnic tables.
Terry Hershey Park
Courtesy of Terry Hershey Park
Bring a blanket and a food basket and spend the day unwinding at Terry Hershey Park with a nice book. Biking and hiking are only the main attractions here, so, aside from taking it easy in nature, you may want to let go of anxiety and stress with a little bit of physical activity.
For other options, you can go fishing, boating or canoeing, have a barbecue, visit the Butterfly and Wildflower Gardens or the Wetland Habitat, just to name a few!
Hermann Park
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The historic Hermann Park has 445 acres of beautiful, well preserved green space in the heart of Houston. An estimated 6 million people visit each year to enjoy and relax in this serene park, and maybe attend one of the many events that are hosted here.
While you’re at Hermann Park, make sure to see the Centennial Garden, Houston Zoo and the Japanese Gardens, all of which are perfect for a calming day without even leaving the city.
Arboretum & Nature Center
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Relaxing at the Arboretum comes naturally. The 155 acres of forested green space is fascinating, soothing and picturesque. It has species of trees from all Texas and all over the world, as well as some very fascinating specimens that have been around since prehistoric times and lots of the native species that thrive in the Houston area. The Nature Centre, which is right across from the Arboretum, has excellent exhibits and gardens of its own, where you are sure to unwind, relax and de-stress.
A xenophile at heart, she lives to travel and loves to share her experience on Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she founded in 2010. She hopes that you will feel inspired to discover the world as well! Helen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Academy of Canadian Film and Television.
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