Houston’s Best Paddle Boarding Paradises
- Float Down the Armand Bayou
- Check the Buffalo Bayou off Your List
- Find out What the Brays Bayou Has to Offer
- Connect with Nature at Brazos Bend
- Journey to Clear Lake
- Master Paddleboarding at Discovery Green
- Launch from the Galveston Island State Park
- Uncover What’s Beyond the Kemah Boardwalk
- Wander around Lake 288
- Tour Lake Conroe
- Embrace the Experience in Lake Houston
- Dive into Lake Livingston
- Uncover McGovern Lake
- Roam around Moses Lake
- Conquer Sabine Lake
- Make Your Way around Seabrook
- Navigate the San Jacinto River
- Discover Sheldon Lake
- Embark on an Aquatic Journey on Trinity Bay
- Explore the Woodlands Waterway
Houston isn’t called Bayou City for nothing and there are lots of ways to escape the humdrum of city life. One of the best ways is by exploring its waters on a paddleboard.
Paddle boarding has become a beloved pastime for many in Bayou City. If you’re in search of the perfect spots to dip your paddle, you’re in the right place!
So grab your board, slip into your swimsuit, and let’s head out on a watery adventure!
Float Down the Armand Bayou
Image Source: Armand Bayou Nature Center Website
Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 474 2551
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday – 12 pm to 5 pm
Pricing: $6 for adults; $4 for kids and senior citizens
Armand Bayou isn’t just another paddle boarding spot. It’s a great way to immerse yourself into the Texas wilderness. With vast waterways stretching from the Armand Bayou Nature Center to Clear Lake, this place is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
And, if you’re like us and appreciate wildlife, you’re in for a treat. The surrounding wilderness hosts a variety of animals, adding to the feel of really being far away from the city.
Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to paddle here. The wildlife is more active, and you’ll enjoy a cooler, quieter experience.
| Pro Tip: Before heading out into the water, drop by the visitor center at the nature center to ask which spots in the waters to avoid. They’ll tell you to keep an eye out for the local 10-foot gators. They’re part of the charm, but also a reminder to paddle with caution. |
Check the Buffalo Bayou off Your List
Image Source: Buffalo Bayou Partnership Website
Address: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 752 0314
Hours: Every Day – 6 am to 11 pm
Pricing: Free
If you’re looking to explore Houston from a unique perspective, Buffalo Bayou is your go-to spot. This 26-mile-long waterway winds its way through the city, offering a fresh view of the urban landscape.
The bayou is home to several species of fish and turtles that you’ll encounter as you go. If you want to maximize the scenery, try to take a sunset paddle for a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline as it lights up.
| Pro Tip: There are 10 access points to the Buffalo Bayou for paddleboarding. You can find the whole list with locations on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Development website. Check out the page for info on how to get there and a comprehensive paddleboarding map. |
Find out What the Brays Bayou Has to Offer
Image Source: Brays Bayou Website
Address: Brays Bayou, Houston, TX, USA
Phone Number: +1 713 942 8500
Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
Pricing: Free
Brays Bayou presents an intriguing opportunity to explore Houston’s diverse neighborhoods, street art, and parks from an all new vantage point from the water.
As you paddle along, you’ll pass through the University of Houston, Medical City, Hermann Park, and MacGregor Park.
The journey on the water allows you to continue into the historic neighborhood of Idylwood, offering a mix of cityscape glimpses and lots of greenery.
| Pro Tip: The Brays Bayou is prone to the occasional rise in water levels and sometimes even flash flooding in bad weather. Make sure you check with the Houston Parks Board which manages it on their website or by calling before you head to the water! |
Connect with Nature at Brazos Bend
Image Source: Brazos Bend State Park Website
Address: 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461, United States
Phone Number: +1 979 553 5101
Hours: Every Day – 8 am to 10 pm
Pricing: Free
Venturing southwest of Houston to Brazos Bend State Park for a thrilling paddle boarding experience is definitely worth the trip. The 40 acre lake is surrounded by dense foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop.
As you paddle, you’ll encounter lots of birds that call the Bend home. Don’t be surprised to spot herons flying above and kingfishers diving into the water to catch their meals. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature and experience the best of paddleboarding.
| Pro Tip: The park is kept largely untouched, especially the wildlife local to the area. You’ll find alligators on the banks of the Brazos Bend. Read up on how to keep safe here. But remember to keep a safe distance from the alligators and never feed them. |
Journey to Clear Lake
Image Source: Texas State Historical Association Website
Address: Clear Lake City, Greater Houston, TX, USA
Hours: 6 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Located southeast of downtown Houston, Clear Lake offers a wide range of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, andfishing. The lake is filled with different fish species like Hitch, Largemouth bass, and more.
This area is a hub for recreational boats and yachts, so you’ll find plenty of boat ramps and marinas to launch your paddleboard. This is one of our favorite spots because we never have to worry about finding paddleboard rental shops.
| Pro Tip: Rental Shops for watersports and water activities equipment dot the edge of Clear Lake, but our go to has always been Kayak Shack. They have everything from the boards and paddles, to safety gear like life vests and whistles in case of emergencies. |
Master Paddleboarding at Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 400 7336
Hours: Every Day – 6 am to 11 pm
Pricing: $10 per person
In the heart of downtown Houston lies a gem for paddleboarders, both newbies and seasoned paddlers. Discovery Green is not only a huge public urban park, but it’s also home to Kinder Lake, that’s perfect for paddleboard enthusiasts.
You’ll find yourself gliding across a glassy surface, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene escape right in the city. For beginners looking to master their paddle boarding skills, this spacious and peaceful spot is an ideal choice.
| Pro Tip: This spot is popular for paddleboarding because of the tranquil and calm waters, so it can get a bit crowded. If you visit during the weekend, arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet. |
Launch from the Galveston Island State Park
Image Source: Galveston Government Website
Address: Galveston Island, Texas, USA
Phone Number: +1 409 763 4769
Hours: Every Day – 7 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Just an hour’s drive southeast of downtown Houston, Galveston Island State Park offers a fantastic paddleboarding trail. The paddling trail is protected by breakwater, so you can expect calm waters that are great for paddleboarding.
Beginners can explore the calm bay along one of the three main paddling trails. The Dana Cove Trail and the Jenkins Bayou Trail are best for beginners with its shallow waters.
The Oak Bayou Trail is almost double in length and takes you into Galveston Bay which makes for a more exciting, but challenging trip.
| Pro Tip: Since Galveston is known for its rivers and bays, there are a lot of events centered on water activities. Try to stay up to date on their website for schedules. Joining one of the guided paddling trips is perfect if you want to explore the trails more efficiently. |
Uncover What’s Beyond the Kemah Boardwalk
Image Source: Galveston Government Website
Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 334 1611
Hours: Every Day – 7 am to 8 pm
Pricing: Free
When people hear Kemah, the next thing that usually comes to mind is the Kemah Boardwalk. Nestled on the southeast side of Houston, the Boardwalk is a renowned tourist destination.
But beyond its amusement park thrills and fun games, it offers excellent paddleboarding opportunities. Many don’t realize there are inlets providing access to the bay from Kemah. Rental shops near the boardwalk also make it convenient to get a board.
| Pro Tip: For a unique experience, check out the guided tours like the ones offered by Kemah Kayak. They have regular rentals for $20 a day, but they also have complete tour packages starting from $50. |
Wander around Lake 288
Address: 4800 Schurmier Rd, Houston, TX 77048, United States
Hours: Every Day – 5 am to 7 pm
Pricing: Free
Just a 15 minute drive from south of Houston, you’ll find Lake 288 with its crystal-clear waters, drawing swimmers and paddlers alike. This location oozes with peacefulness, making it a favorite for paddleboarding.
Note that there’s a $15 entry fee per person for the day if you don’t have your own equipment, but the serene experience without having to worry about transporting your gear is well worth it.
| Pro Tip: The benches in the resting areas are on a first come first serve basis. So, try to arrive early to secure a prime spot along the lakeshore to keep a close eye on your things or under the trees for some much needed shade especially at noon. |
Tour Lake Conroe
Image Source: Lake Conroe Visitors Website
Address: 14968 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, Texas
Phone Number: +1 936 522 3500
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 9:30 am to 6 pm
Pricing: $5 per person
Besides a prime fishing spot with a variety of species to catch , Lake Conroe above Houston, offers year-round paddle boarding adventures. The shoreline provides numerous launch spots, with April Sound Marina being a popular choice.
Weekdays offer a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy with tourists flocking in from neighboring cities and even out of state. It’s a great place to bring your family or friends to try paddleboarding and other water activities.
| Pro Tip: Aside from bringing sunscreen, make sure you pack insect repellent too to fend off pesky bugs like mosquitoes. The insects usually come alive near sunset, so if you want to avoid them altogether, time your paddle boarding adventures during the early mornings. |
Embrace the Experience in Lake Houston
Address: 110 West Main StreetHumble, TX 77338
Phone Number: +1 281.446.2128
Hours: 6 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Lake Houston offers a fantastic paddle boarding experience within reach of the city that not a lot of people know about.
One of the recommended launch points is from the public boat ramp at the River Grove Park with a low bank for getting in and out of canoes or your paddleboards.
However, it’s important to stay vigilant as this lake can be busy with motorized watercraft. If you venture deeper into the lake, you’ll be able to paddle more freely without worrying about jet skis or boats.
| Pro Tip: Unfortunately, you won’t find water sports rental shops nearby, so it’s advisable to bring your gear including your board, paddle, and life jackets (if needed). |
Dive into Lake Livingston
Image Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Development Website
Address: Lake Livingston, Texas, United States
Hours: Every Day – 6 am to 10 pm
Pricing: Free
One of the largest lakes in Texas, Lake Livingston State Park offers more than just great hiking and biking trails, it’s an excellent choice for a family vacation if you love water sports like fishing, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding like we do.
Various spots around the lake offer convenient launches, but be mindful that weekends can get crowded. There aren’t known SUP rental shops in the area, so it’s best to come prepared with your own board.
| Pro Tip: If you’ve just discovered paddleboarding and you haven’t quite gotten the hang of it yet, Lake Livingston is a great place to start. The warmer months typically bring calm waters which are ideal for beginners. |
Uncover McGovern Lake
Image Source: Hermann Park Conservancy Website
Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 524 5876
Hours: Every Day 6 am to 11 pm
Pricing: Free
When you think of Hermann Park, you don’t automatically think of paddleboarding, but this 445 acre urban park actually holds one of the city’s most popular hubs for water activities, including paddleboarding.
The McGovern Lake spans over 8 acres thats open for fishing, pedal boats, and paddleboarding. Heading out here is a treat, thanks to the lake’s ample size and still waters owing to the lake’s concrete edges.
| Pro Tip: McGovern Lake is also one of the few spots that offers paddleboard fishing that combines the 2 water activities. You have to get special SUP boards from the visitor center or bring your own though! |
Roam around Moses Lake
Address: Moses Lake, Texas City, Texas, United States
Hours: Every Day – Sunrise to Sunset
Pricing: Free
Moses Lake can be found on the leftmost shores of Galveston Bay. The lake offers ample space for water exploration, measuring 2 miles by 4 miles. There is a lagoon on the eastern side of Moses Lake called Dollar Bay that is perfect for paddleboarding.
The Lagoon beckons paddle boarders with its calm waters, particularly during the summer. Numerous launch points, including the popular Moses Lake boat ramp, make it easy to get on the water.
| Pro Tip: Moses Lake is a well known and very popular fishing spot with the chance to catch a variety of species, so the waters can get a bit crowded especially near the banks. Don’t panic, make your way through the throng of people and into the lagoon for some peace and quiet. |
Conquer Sabine Lake
Address: Sabin Lake, Gulf Coast, Texas, United States
Phone Number:
Hours: Every Day 7 am to 8 pm
Pricing: Free
Situated on the Texas-Louisiana border, Sabine Lake offers a remarkable blend of paddleboarding and fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck with speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.
Several boat ramps provide easy access to the lake for paddle boarders. If you don’t own a board, you can rent one from nearby canoe and kayak rental shops.
Keep in mind that the lake can get busy with boats, so staying aware of your surroundings is crucial.
| Pro Tip: After a day of enjoying the waters while paddleboarding, explore the Museum of the Gulf Coast and the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site in Port Arthur located on Sabine Lake. |
Make Your Way around Seabrook
Image Source: Seabrook Government Website
Address: Seabrook City, Texas, 77586, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 291 5600
Hours: 7 am to 10 pm
Pricing: Free
Right in the vicinity of NASA’s famed Johnson Space Center, Seabrook offers over 11 miles of waterfront real estate for paddleboarding in freshwater and saltwater. The great thing about this location is the abundance of launch sites without sandbars.
We always find ourselves spending hours on the water, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Plus, the water here is relatively clear. With the fish that swim close enough to the surface, you can get a great view looking into the water while you take short breaks.
| Pro Tip: While you’re there, why not turn it into a day of exploration by visiting NASA’s Johnson Space Center for an experience that blows you out of the water and maybe into space! |
Navigate the San Jacinto River
Address: San Jacinto River, Texas, United States
Hours: Every Day – 5 am to 5 pm
Pricing: Free
For more advanced paddleboard enthusiasts who are looking for more thrills and higher difficulty level, the San Jacinto River promises an adventurous paddle boarding experience with ever changing currents.
Even with the added challenge, the river offers tranquil experience when you delve into smaller inlets where you can find animals local to the area lounging about or unique aquatic plants that call the river home.
| Pro Tip: The San Jacinto River is surrounded by rows and rows of thick trees on its banks. It’s a site to see especially for nature lovers. Try to bring a waterproof camera or put your phone in a waterproof case to capture the stunning scenery along the way. |
Discover Sheldon Lake
Address: Sheldon Lake, Carpenters Bayou, Texas, United States
Hours: Every Day 7 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Sheldon Lake, just 16 miles or a 15 minute drive from Downtown Houston, offers miles of water trails where you can enjoy various water activities, especially paddleboarding.
The lush, surrounding trees provide a stunning backdrop, and the water typically offers a serene paddling experience.
Since the reservoir is near Downtown Houston, you won’t have a hard time looking for rental shops for your equipment needs. Some of them even offer to deliver the goods to you if you’re renting more than one.
| Pro Tip: While there are numerous launch spots, the Caney Creek Marina is a popular choice and our personal favorite. |
Embark on an Aquatic Journey on Trinity Bay
Address: Trinity Bay, Texas, United States
Hours: 5 am to 5 pm
Pricing: Free
The northeast part of Galveston Bay, located just to the east of Houston, Trinity Bay is 20 miles long and leads to the Trinity River. This bay is a prime spot for paddleboarding and fishing year-round.
Fall is especially popular for catching Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder, but the cool breeze also makes for great conditions to go paddleboarding on the waters of the bay.
| Pro Tip: The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Paddling Trail takes you through Trinity Bay and over to the River on a 2 to 3 hour paddling trip. You’ll get to see wild animals like alligators, and city buildings on your way. |
Explore the Woodlands Waterway
Image Source: The Woodlands Visitors Website
Address: The Woodlands, Texas, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 210 3800
Hours: Every Day 9 am to sunset
Pricing: Free
The Woodlands, a serene suburb of Houston, is an excellent destination for all sorts of water activities along its waterway. You can enjoy paddleboarding, as well asl swan boats and kayaking.
With ample parking space and convenient docks for launching, it’s a beginner-friendly spot with no tides or strong currents to struggle against.
Paddleboard rental shops are also readily available, including Riva Row Boat House which you can find just along the waterway and the Lakes Edge Boat House on Hughes Landing.
| Pro Tip: Plan a picnic by the lake for a relaxing post-paddle meal or explore The Woodlands at your own pace, enjoying the recreational amenities, shops, playgrounds, and restaurants. |
