Published by The La Vernia News on August 22, 2013
See the Pyramids … On the Texas Coast
Standing in front of the Moody Gardens complex, with its magnificent landscape and three huge pyramids, it is hard to believe that this all started in 1983 as a therapeutic riding arena for people with physical or mental challenges. Today it is an educational tourist destination that attracts over two million visitors each year. There is truly something for everyone here including a beach, created by transporting tons of white Florida sand on barges across the Gulf of Mexico.
Experience the Pyramids
In 1993 the Rainforest Pyramid, a 10-story structure, was opened and filled with plant and animal species from the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Here you can view the giant Amazon River otter exhibit and take the tree-top path that will lead you through the canopy level of the pyramid to see the monkeys, sloths and the other free-roaming tree dwellers.The MG 3D Theater, located inside the Visitor Center, was the first IMAX 3D theater to open in America and continues to showcase films by some of the world’s top filmmakers, such as the Flight of the Butterflies, A Turtle’s Tale-Escape from Paradise, Sharks and Wild Ocean.
Everyday Journeys
Harry and Linda Kaye Perez
The Discovery Pyramid, the second of the pyramids opened in 1997, features traveling and science exhibits. Here you will also find the Ridefilm Theater, showing a thrilling motion simulation experience. Each 18-passenger ride is surrounded by a seamless 180° wraparound screen that fully encompasses each viewer's vision. High quality images and awesome sound combine to make you a part of the action.
The Aquarium Pyramid, the big blue one that debuted in the summer of 1999, is the largest aquarium in the world. This 1.5 million gallon aquarium houses a diverse display of life from four distinct ocean environments. It is home to penguins, sharks, seals, seahorses, moray eels and a magnificent coral reef with thousands of tropical fish. Now, if you are wondering how you are going to see all these fish, you actually walk through a tunnel completely surrounded by water as the sea creatures swim around you. (No fishing poles allowed.)
And There's More
As if all of the above was not enough, there is also a 4D FX theater, the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and an 18-hole par 72 golf course where the fairways are lined with 500 palm trees. Palm Beach is a landscaped white sand beach with freshwater lagoons, a lazy river, tower slides, and splash pad play area for children.
Of course, it is not possible to see and do everything at Moody Gardens in one day, so for those who want to make it a weekend, there is the Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa that has been described as an “architectural masterpiece.”
Lunch While Learning
Refreshments at Moody Gardens include the Garden Restaurant, located in the Visitor Center lobby, offers soups, salads, pastas, seafood, burgers and sandwiches. The Aquarium Pyramid Food Court has a great variety of cuisine including Mexican, bar-b-q, burgers, hot dogs, wraps and pizza. At the Rainforest Concessions you can order hot dogs, shrimp, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos and eggrolls. And the Shoreline Cafe Palm Beach has typical beach fare such at corn dogs, burgers, fish tacos, chicken and shrimp.
Admit One
The One-Day Value Pass is $49.95 per person and includes one admission to all of the attractions. The Two-Day Value Pass is $64.95 and gives you unlimited admission to all attractions for a two-day period. Neither pass includes golf. You can also purchase individual attraction tickets. Moody Gardens is 235 to 250 miles from La Vernia, depending on which route you choose.
Almost everything at Moody Gardens revolves around education, conservation and family fun; and, how nature and our world work together with plants and animals, each doing its part. Its goal is “to generate excitement about wildlife and wild places and to ensure the long-term survival of captive wildlife populations.” And, I must say, Moody Gardens does it very well.
Photo Courtesy Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens:
One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
(800) 582-4673
The new Palm Beach at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas
