Quiet Escapes In Houston, Texas

Despite being located near the hustle and bustle of Galleria, Houston Arboretum is scenic and peaceful. It is truly a place to think and hear the nature hum. This place is chock full of wildlife with various species of owls, hummingbirds, turtles, and obscure shrubs and flowers. With more than five miles of nature trails, it is also a peaceful place to get in a quick run.

The Japanese Garden is breathtakingly beautiful and serene. Located in the Hermann Park, the garden is filled with Japanese camellias, cherry trees, maples, crepe myrtles and azaleas. It is easy to spend hours staring at the tranquil waterfalls spilling over rocks and goldfish found in various dispersed ponds. It is exceptionally quiet in the mornings, with just a few people jogging and walking with their dog.

There is something very calming about walking among obscure sculptures and paintings. The Menil Collection, located in Montrose, is pleasantly calm and well lit, and there is a modern and chic ambiance associated with the building. Even though the Menil Collection is famous for its surrealist artwork, it houses a variety of artifacts, ranging from peculiar masks from 2500 BC to Rene Magritte’s paintings. It’s a very enjoyable place to stroll through for anyone interested in art.

Part of the Hyatt Regency in downtown, The Spindletop is an upscale restaurant with a quiet, sophisticated ambiance. Giving a panoramic view of Houston, The Spindletop slowly completes one revolution in 45 minutes. The food is amazing to say the least, and they have great seafood and vegan options. It is a nice place to go on special nights to have a quiet conversation with a significant other or friends.

This is another famous study spot where the coffee is good and the pear pastry is better. There is free wifi and they are open every day. Nestled in Montrose, the Black Hole Coffee House is eclectic, with colorful coaches and retro decor. It is a trendy spot for students to get their work done while enjoying amazing coffee and sandwiches.

For those looking for an amazing study spot, the Fondren Library should be a top contender. Situated within Rice University, the Fondren Library is open to the public. It is quieter than most public libraries, and there are cubicles dispersed throughout the third to fifth floors. The library houses a plethora of ancient books that can come in handy for someone conducting research. During study breaks, grab a coffee and scone from the Coffeehouse.

This is a 17.5 acre park that is perfect for birding and wildlife spotting during nature walks. Many types of birds, lizards, mammals and trees call Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary their home. For those who need to get some quiet reading done or just take in the beauty of the place, there are wooden benches dispersed throughout the park. It is open every day from 7am to 7pm and admission is free.

Located in uptown Houston, the Waterwall Park is a popular destination for tourists visiting Houston. Standing near the Waterwall in Houston’s hot weather is cool and refreshing. It is easy to lose track of time while staring at the water reflecting colors as it cascades down, and thanks to this, it is a nice place to read a book or take a walk.

Lanier Theological Library was opened to the public in 2010 and has copious information about the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology and biblical studies. The library is dead quiet and has a coffee-maker and free Wi-fi, so this is the perfect spot to get some serious studying done. The library and the surrounding area are beautiful, mimicking European village architecture. The inside of the library looks just like Hogwarts from the Harry Potter universe. It is marked by tall ceilings, enormous chandeliers, long colored glass windows and wood furnishings. The Lanier Theological chapel next to the library is a must-see for its frescoes and Byzantine architectural structure.

If you are looking for a place to mediate, Rothko Chapel is the way to go. Founded by the same people as the Menil Collection (John and Dominique de Menil), the Rothko Chapel is beautiful and serene. The Broken Obelisk sculpture in front of the chapel is a great introduction to the sublime nature of the chapel. Going to the Rothko Chapel is a cathartic experience, as the chapel is non-denominational and welcomes people of all religions.