Off the Beaten Path

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange

Tucked away in Orange, Texas, Shangri La is a 250-acre sanctuary where nature and education converge. Known for its cypress swamp tours, this garden also features a butterfly garden and a nature center where visitors learn about local ecosystems. This lesser-known gem offers a place to enjoy the tranquility of nature with educational guided tours. ShangrilaGardens.org

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens

Located four miles southeast of Fort Davis, the center covers 507 acres of the Chihuahuan Desert, offering a unique perspective on desert flora and fauna. With over 1,500 species of plants, including cacti and succulents, the garden rests among semidesert grasslands and igneous rock outcrops and offers spectacular views. CDRI.org