What’s the point of going out or socializing? As humans, it’s natural to feel the need to connect with other humans. However, it gets harder to socialize and form meaningful connections the older we get.

According to the National Institute on Aging, about 13.8 million people aged 65 and older live alone and are at risk of isolation. However, aging doesn’t mean you have to slow down. You can join a community of peers and have a vibrant social life.

The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a must-see site if you’re in Orange, Texas. With amazing wildlife and a serene environment, the center is a dream destination for seniors looking for adventure.

Let’s explore the various attractions, accessibility tips, and senior-friendly walking trails in the Shangri La Botanical Garden.

How to Plan for a Trip to Shangri La Botanical Gardens

Planning a trip to the Shangri La Botanical Gardens gives you a great experience and optimizes your time visiting the best attractions. Begin making preparations by doing the following:

Find out the opening and closing time
Learn about the garden online
Explore food and dining options

You don’t have to worry about parking because it’s free and conveniently near the gardens’ entrance. In addition, there is no admission fee, and the gardens are usually open between Tuesday and Saturday.

Must-See Attractions at Shangri-La Botanical Gardens

The Shangri La Botanical Gardens is a 252-acre environmental marvel with various must-see attractions. They include:

Sculpture gardens
Heronry blind to see nesting egrets and herons
The cypress-tupelo swamp
Adams Bayou to view different species of fish, such as shad, bluegill, and catfish

You can also immerse yourself in nature by exploring the following attractions:

Survivor Tree

Learn about a tree that’s been around for over 1200 years by visiting the Survivor Tree. You can see this tree by taking a tour of the Adams Bayou. The survivor tree is a great attraction due to the fact that it’s older than the United States, Christopher Columbus, and even Galileo.

Ruby Lake

This 15-acre man-made lake is a great attraction for aquatic bird species that migrate and nest on the lake between late winter and early summer. Taking a tour of Ruby Lake also allows you to check out snakes, turtles, and alligators.

Nature Discovery Center

If you aren’t up for a tour, you can learn about nature by visiting the garden’s discovery center. The center is a screened-in pavilion that you’ll find right in the center of the Cypress-Tupelo swamp.

You can observe different species of animals, such as birds, snakes, and dragonflies, right from the center. The center lets you listen to the sounds of nature, and different activities will take you on a tremendous sensory journey.

Walking Trails in Shangri La Botanical Gardens

According to the World Health Organization, social isolation and loneliness are major risk factors for poor mental health in older adults. Doing something as simple as taking a walk with your peers can do wonders for your mental well-being.

The walking trails at Shangri La Botanical Gardens are highly accessible. The pathways in the garden are wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. So, you can take a walk with your loved ones, including toddlers.

Further, the stroll path is one mile long with minimal elevation. Some of the walking trails you can follow while at the garden include:

The boardwalk trail
Pond trail
Bird blind trail
Epiphyte trail

Each trail leads to a different set of attractions in the garden. For instance, take the epiphyte trail if you want to see orchids, mosses, and air plants. Public restrooms are available at the beginning of the stroll and near the middle.

The garden has different locations for taking pictures with your peers or family. Don’t forget to commemorate the tour with a picture at the ornament near the Blue Moon.

You can save money by eating before the tour. Alternatively, carry some snacks that will replenish you during the day. Assisted living for seniors in Orange, TX, offers healthy dining options and diets to keep you energized and active.

Travel Tips for Seniors

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that the higher the number of trips taken by seniors, the lower the risk of death. One of the main reasons for this finding is the associated benefits of socialization and greater physical activity.

Seniors can travel with ease by traveling to locations with great accessibility and mobility aids. If you’re planning for any trip, consult a healthcare provider who can assess your health condition.

Other helpful tips to consider when planning trips include:

Drinking a lot of water
Rest during the trip
Pack your medications and follow your prescriptions

Assess weather patterns before your trip to plan accordingly on what to wear. The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center recommends casual wear. Comfortable clothes can make it easier to do outdoor activities for seniors.

Things to Do in Orange, TX

Apart from visiting the botanical gardens in Texas, there are many enjoyable things for seniors to do in Orange, TX. Assisted living communities offer different calendars and activity programs designed to keep you mentally engaged and physically active.

Some of the activities seniors can enjoy in Orange, TX include:

Having a picnic or fishing at Bluebird Fish Camp
Taking a tour of the Orange City Lions Park
Visiting the Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion
Enjoying art at the Lutcher Theater

The town’s rich cultural history and unique natural beauty make it perfect for outdoor activities. Assisted living communities can help you find accessible nature trails and curate unique experiences and activities.

Take a Tour of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center Today

The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is one of the best senior-friendly attractions in Orange, TX. The center is accessible with broad pathways specifically designed to enhance the mobility of seniors.

Sabine Place Assisted Living offers a warm and vibrant community for seniors, from wellness programs stacked activity calendars to personalized services provided by professionals who are available 24/7.