We Spent a Day at the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and Here’s Everything We Loved
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is Houston’s green sanctuary. A blend of lush landscapes and diverse plant collections, it offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
We absolutely loved our time here exploring the expansive gardens, walking trails! From themed garden areas to eye-catching sculptures, we couldn’t get enough of it!
So, lace up your walking shoes and let’s check out Houston’s botanical gem!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is spring, which is from March to May. During this time, the weather has a gradual warm up from winter with temperatures averaging from 23.9 – 27.8 °C.
Things to Know
The gardens are named after Thelma and Charles Mercer, who purchased 14.5 acres in the late 1940s for their home and garden. It was later expanded by Harris County in 1974.
In 2023, management changed: Precinct 1 now oversees the west side, and Precinct 3 manages the east side. Mercer Botanic Gardens now covers 180 acres.
Admission
The Mercer Arboretum is open to the public year-round at no cost!
How to Get Around
From Houston, head towards I-45 N and take exit 66A. Merge onto the N Fwy Service Rd and turn right to join Farm to Market 1960 Rd E. Next, turn left onto Treaschwig Rd and then take another left onto Aldine Westfield Rd.
Where to Stay near the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Scottish Inns & Suites
Address: 2531 Farm to Market 1960 Rd E, Houston, TX 77073,
Phone: +128-1821-9900
Pricing: $
The Scottish Inns & Suites in Houston, TX is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and clean place to stay. While it’s basic and not fancy, it offers a safe and quiet environment.
The rooms are spacious, with easy access and no stairs to worry about. Plus, they serve great coffee! Conveniently located on Kuykendahl Road, this hotel provides a peaceful and hidden spot to rest.
Americas Best Value Inn
Address: 3231 FM 1960, Humble, TX 77338,
Phone: +12817842660
Pricing: $
This hotel effortlessly blends comfort, affordability, and exceptional service. Guests are welcomed by friendly and professional staff, ensuring a warm and efficient check-in experience.
The rooms are meticulously clean and cozy, featuring modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and breakfast. The hotel was very quiet, and the large fence surrounding it provided an added sense of reassurance and peace of mind.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Address: 1010 FM 1960, Houston, TX 77073,
Phone: +13463268500
Pricing: $$
This hotel is conveniently located near the Houston Airport and offers a very clean environment with a pleasant aroma. It includes everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The breakfast was excellent, with plenty of options for both kids and adults. We also enjoyed the surrounding area, which was well lit at night and featured several great restaurants and a local brewery right next door.
Days Inn & Suites
Address: 410 Farm to Market 1960 Rd E, Houston, TX 77073,
Phone: +12812419478
Pricing: $
Days Inn & Suites is conveniently located right off the freeway, making it easily accessible. It’s the best place to spend the night in the area, with clean and spacious rooms.
You can enjoy a 15% discount on meals at the Waffle House next door. The hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast buffet, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, laundry facilities, and free parking.
Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 160 Wagon Point, Houston, TX 77090,
Phone: +12819290111
Pricing: $
This first-class hotel offers a centrally located, clean, comfortable, and quiet stay, making it an excellent choice for extended visits. It’s conveniently close to grocery stores and restaurants for all your needs.
The 24-hour laundry and fitness center are perfect for late-night activities. The pool and whirlpool add a fun element to your stay. You can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, and the on-site chef can prepare meals to satisfy any craving.
Where to Eat near the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Vee’s Kajun Kitchen
Address: 23115 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, TX 77373
Phone: +18328231434
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 8:30pm
- Sunday: 12am to 8pm
Finding great New Orleans-style food can be a challenge, but Vee’s Kajun Kitchen is a true hidden gem serving up authentic Cajun and Creole dishes. Their strawberry cheesecake egg rolls are a must-try—yes, you heard that right, egg rolls!
And the Philly cheesesteak fries? Absolutely top-notch. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, so you’ll definitely want to return. With flavor-packed dishes everywhere you look, you’re missing out if you haven’t been yet!
Chycho’s Pollos Al Carbon Tacos
Address: 23206 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, TX 77373
Phone: +18325663022
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 7am to 11pm
- Thursday: 7am to 12am
- Friday and Saturday: 7am to 2am
Don’t let the exterior of Chycho’s Pollos Al Carbon Tacose fool you—inside, the food and atmosphere are truly fantastic. The authentic dishes are a real treat.
The chicken is incredibly delicious, smoked or cooked to perfection, tender, and full of flavor! I’m no food critic, but we absolutely loved it. They also serve three types of salsa with chips, including a fabulous chipotle pepper salsa that’s a must-try.
Tequila Patio
Address: 23237 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, TX 77373
Phone: +12813501136
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 8am to 9pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 8am to 9:30pm
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
The place is called “Tila Garten,” though you’ll only find that name on the menu since it’s not prominently displayed. Despite a somewhat quirky and limited selection, their lunch specials are fantastic!
We tried their recommended dish, the Ala Diablo plate, which comes with chicken, beef, and shrimp served on a sizzling hot plate. It was absolutely delicious, and the margaritas were equally delightful.
Marco’s Pizza
Address: 21636 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: +12819735599
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:30am to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10:30am to 12am
- Sunday: 10:30am to 11pm
With excellent service and a quick carry-out wait of under 15 minutes for three pizzas and bread, Marco’s Pizza is our go-to for a late-night, last-minute dinner.
We’ve sampled a variety of their menu items, including pizzas, wings, cheesy bread, subs, and my personal favorite—brownies. Recently, we customized a pizza steak through the app and was thoroughly impressed.
Church’s Texas Chicken
Address: 21502 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338,
Phone: +12818215211
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30am to 10pm
Expect a bit of a wait since there’s often a line, but the chicken here is always juicy, crunchy, and delicious. Don’t forget to grab a handful of honey for the biscuits!
This spot has quickly become one of the best chicken places we’ve tried in a long time. Their chicken is fantastic, especially the 2 PC special on Tuesdays—hot, fresh, and absolutely mouthwatering.
What to Do in the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Explore the East Side of the Arboretum
Media credit: heydita_cm
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: +1 713-274-4160
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7pm
On the east side, you’ll find the botanic gardens with over 20 acres of bamboo, vibrant flower displays, daylilies, and more.
There’s also a great walking trail, a Remembrance Walk, ponds, a children’s garden, a Shakespeare garden, and a visitors’ center. You’ll spend more time on this side of the arboretum with its winding paths, bench swings, and the charming gift shop.
Discover What The West Side of the Arboretum Has to Offer
Media credit: rollingstonecpt
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338,
Phone: +1 713-274-4160
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7pm
On the west side of Aldine Westfield, the arboretum offers two playgrounds, a picnic area with 58 tables in a wooded setting, and two barbecue pavilions.
You’ll also find a hickory bog, boardwalk, cypress swamp, maple collection, and miles of walking trails through beautiful woodlands. The picnic tables were clean and roomy, and the playground was safe and fun.
Check Out the Large Collection of Plants
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: +1 713-274-4160
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7pm
The gardens boast the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the region, serving as a living natural history museum. The garden spans over 50 acres of botanical research and display gardens.
As a 300-acre woodland park, it features plants that thrive in the tough Texas Gulf Coast climate, including Theaceae, Acer, Quercus, conifers, gingers, bamboo, azaleas, palms, cycads, and Texas natives.
Have a Photoshoot
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: +1 713-274-4160
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7pm
The Mercer Arboretum is a lovely, peaceful spot with plenty of photo opportunities. People often come for the stunning scenery and endless trails, making it a popular choice for photo shoots.
On weekends, you might spot people doing photo shoots on the stunning grounds. There’s plenty of shade and a few benches where you can take a break.
The grounds are beautiful and fragrant, with water features and wooden benches scattered throughout the botanical gardens, making it a perfect spot for some peaceful relaxation.
Visit the Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: +1 713-274-4160
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 7pm
Since 1986, Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library has been a vital community resource. The library is located behind the Mercer Visitor Center, providing easy access to residents and visitors alike.
Baldwin Boettcher’s Little Community Library continues to offer programs, services, and more, all within the beautiful Mercer Botanic Gardens. As of May 1, 2023, they’ve started rebuilding the full-service library.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Houston Chronicle: read the latest news in the city anytime, anywhere. Stay informed on local events, sports, and politics.
Houston Press City: online app that lists the best things to do around the city. Includes events, restaurants, bars, and attractions with reviews and recommendations from locals.
KHOU 11 Houston: an app for traffic reports, weather, local news and more.
