Photographer: Kevin Stillman

156-acre eight phase project of Moody Foundation. Existing now are:

Aquarium Pyramid has more than 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and nearly two million gallons of water to showcase the ocean waters of the North Pacific, Edge of the Antarctic, the tropical Pacific’s Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, and the colorful Caribbean. Visitors view the ocean habitats from two levels, one providing a shoreline view from above the water, and the other submerging the visitor into the depths of the exhibit waters. Walk-through exhibits, demonstrations and educational opportunities let visitors learn about marine creatures with whom we share our planet.

Discovery Pyramid is the second in a trilogy of unique glass pyramids. NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the non-profit Moody Gardens teamed up to bring all the wonders of space into amazing focus for guests of Moody Gardens. This pyramid also has three IMAX® Ridefilm Theaters, offering visitors a thrilling motion-based space film they won’t soon forget. Space travelers strap themselves into their seats and hold on for a moving shaking ride across the cosmos, their senses heightened by the 180-degree wraparound screen and sparkling IMAX sound. Admission fee.

Rainforest Pyramid, rising 10 stories, represents rain forests of Asia, Africa and South America. Experience the exotic rain forest. Butterflies abound among waterfalls, cliffs, caverns, Mayan Colonnade and an ever-changing array of tropical plants. Clear, blue pools are filled with tropical fish; quiet ponds with exotic wading birds. Bat Cave turns night into day so visitors are able to see 60 fruit bats behind large glassed-in cave. Open Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.– 6 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day; daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m. during summer. Admission fee.

IMAX Theater/Visitor Center projects 3-D films on a six-story screen. Within complex is Visitor Center and Gardens Restaurant overlooking Gulf waters and a nightly presentation of Dancing Waters.

Palm Beach, Texas’ only white sand beach with freshwater swimming lagoons, whirlpools, volleyball, a 400-foot pier/dock, and paddleboats. Yellow Submarine and Octopus Slide features 30-ft. submarine with fully operational periscope, water gun and dive horn. Open weekends in May, daily mid-May–Labor Day. Admission fee.

Formal gardens, Japanese Garden of Life, the Vietnam Memorial, Hope Rose Garden, Horticulture Terraces, the Vineyard, plus nature/walking trails. 800/582-4673.