The best paddleboarding spots in Houston that’ll float Your boat!
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to walk on water. And then I thought, paddleboarding is the closest thing without needing divine intervention.
Good thing Houston has paddleboarding spots that will surely float your boat! I’ve tried a bunch of them and want you to experience the same thing!
So grab a paddle, and if you fall—just pretend that it was your best Olympic dive!
1. Buffalo Bayou
Media credit: @itsnothouitsme
Website: https://buffalobayou.org/location/buffalo-bayou-park/
Address: Harris County, Texas, United States
Buffalo Bayou offers you a unique way to experience Houston, providing stunning views of the city skyline while paddling along its winding waters.
Despite its urban surroundings, the bayou provides a serene escape where you can spot local wildlife like herons and turtles.
Rest assured that the water’s reddish hue comes from Houston’s clay soil, not pollution, ensuring a clean and safe paddling experience.
With numerous launch points spread across its 26-mile stretch, Buffalo Bayou allows flexibility in starting your paddleboarding adventure.
For rentals, Buffalo Bayou Kayak is a convenient option, making it easy for you to get out on the water and explore Houston’s main attractions from a different angle.
| Pro tip: For the easiest and most enjoyable paddle on Buffalo Bayou, launch from the Woodway boat launch in Memorial Park. And if you’re looking for a convenient takeout spot with parking, consider the left bank just below the Sabine Bridge near downtown Houston. |
2. Lake Houston
Media credit: @anniesbluevaan
Website: https://www.lakehouston.org/discover-lake-houston
Address: Downtown Houston, Texas, United States
Begin your paddleboarding adventure at River Grove Park for easy access to Lake Houston’s inviting waters and scenic views.
This park serves as an excellent starting point to explore the lake’s serene surroundings and enjoy a relaxing session on the paddleboard.
And while Lake Houston provides a serene setting for paddleboarding, there are no nearby rental shops for SUPs and gear.
It’s advisable to come prepared with your own equipment, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable paddleboarding experience on Lake Houston.
| Pro tip: Given the frequent presence of motorized watercraft, always maintain situational awareness while paddleboarding on Lake Houston to ensure your safety. |
3. Lake Livingston
Media credit: @lakelivingston
Website: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-livingston
Address: 300 State Park Rd 65, Livingston, TX 77351, United States
Contact Details: +1 936-365-2201
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Although located north of Houston, Lake Livingston’s proximity makes it a feasible day trip destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts seeking a serene and beginner-friendly environment.
Lake Livingston, as the second largest lake in Texas, offers abundant space for paddleboarding enthusiasts seeking open waters. Ideal for beginners, the lake maintains calm conditions during warmer months, ensuring a relaxing experience on the water.
Numerous launch points around Lake Livingston provide easy access for paddleboarders to explore its expansive waters.
These spots are strategically located for convenient entry and exploration of the lake’s scenic beauty and peaceful environment.
Many visitors opt for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to explore the lake’s vast stretches.
Aside from paddleboarding, Lake Livingston is a haven for various water activities such as pontoon cruising, tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
With multiple boat rental options available across the lake, visitors can easily enjoy these activities without the need to transport their own watercraft.
| Pro tip: For an adventure-filled day, consider cycling to Lake Livingston to enjoy its hiking and biking trails. These trails wind through dense pine forests, offering you opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife along the way. |
4. McGovern Lake
Media credit: @viajento
Website: https://www.hermannpark.org/
Address: Hermann Park, Houston, United States
McGovern Lake offers paddlers the chance to explore its sizable area, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the central fountain and the striking Pioneer Memorial Obelisk as you paddle around McGovern Lake.
And if you’re feeling more adventurous, pedal the boat close to the fountain—just beware of playful sprays!
McGovern Lake is teeming with local wildlife, including geese, ducks, and other species. Volunteers often feed these animals in the mornings, creating opportunities for you to interact with and observe them up close.
In addition to paddleboarding, McGovern Lake allows catch-and-release fishing for children under 12 and seniors over 65, adding to its family-friendly appeal.
In fact, the lake’s accessibility within Hermann Park makes it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors seeking outdoor recreation in the heart of Houston.
| Pro tip: Pack a light picnic and enjoy it on your paddleboard. Find a calm area to anchor or drift gently while taking in the park’s scenery from a unique perspective. |
5. Armand Bayou
Website: https://www.abnc.org/
Address: Houston, TX 77258, United States
Paddleboarding on Armand Bayou extends beyond Red Bluff Boulevard, where the bayou widens and offers calm waters for a peaceful paddle.
While exploring Armand Bayou, watch out for some wildlife including herons, egrets, hawks, cormorants, ducks, and geese. Birdwatching is particularly spectacular here, with opportunities to see hybrids of wild and domestic ducks.
Be cautious as alligators also inhabit the bayou, so maintaining awareness of your surroundings is essential for a safe outing.
For those without equipment, Kayak Shack Texas and Kemah Kayak offer SUP rentals, making it convenient to enjoy paddleboarding adventures on Armand Bayou.
Meanwhile, families visiting the area can enjoy picnics in nearby parks, where children can play in playgrounds and fish from floating piers located near the launch points.
| Pro tip: When paddling beyond marker 23, take note of the fork in the bayou. Opting for the river right channel (left as you face upstream) offers a narrower, more intimate waterway with unique scenery and wildlife sightings. |
6. Kemah Boardwalk
Website: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/
Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-535-8100
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Situated on the southeast side of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is a busy tourist destination known for its lively atmosphere and scenic waterfront views.
Beyond paddleboarding, Kemah Boardwalk offers an array of attractions including amusement rides, waterfront dining, shopping, and live entertainment. It’s a great place for families and visitors looking to enjoy a day filled with diverse activities.
A hidden gem of Kemah Boardwalk is its numerous inlets that provide easy access to the bay. This feature is ideal for paddleboarding enthusiasts seeking to explore tranquil waters and admire the coastal scenery.
Moreover, these inlets offer a quieter alternative to the bustling boardwalk, allowing for a serene paddleboarding experience.
Meanwhile, you can also find several paddleboarding rental shops conveniently located near Kemah Boardwalk, ensuring easy access to equipment.
| Pro tip: For a memorable experience, consider booking a guided tour with Kayak Shack Kemah for a night fireworks tour or a sunset tour. It’s a great way to enjoy special moments on the water while taking in spectacular views of Kemah’s skyline and waterfront attractions. |
7. Galveston Island
Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com/
Address: 601 23rd St., Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: (409) 797-5000
Galveston Island offers a fantastic getaway for paddleboarding enthusiasts, conveniently located just an hour’s drive from downtown Houston.
There are numerous spots along Galveston’s coastline where you can launch your paddleboard.
Stewart Beach is a popular choice for its convenience and amenities, while East Beach offers a more secluded setting perfect for a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Meanwhile, for beginners, exploring one of Galveston’s three main paddling trails is recommended. These trails, ranging from 3 to 5 miles in length, are closer to the bay and typically offer calmer waters, making them ideal for those new to paddleboarding.
Experienced paddleboarders seeking more excitement can head to spots like 37th Street, 51st Street, and 61st Street. These locations are known for their challenging waves, providing a thrilling experience for those looking to test their skills on the water.
| Pro tip: Galveston Island is known for its jellyfish, so when paddleboarding in the ocean, be cautious to avoid their painful stings. |
8. Lake Conroe
Media credit: @margaritavillelc
Website: https://www.visitconroe.com/lake-conroe/
Address: 14968 Highway 105, Montgomery, TX, United States
Located north of Houston, Lake Conroe is an excellent year-round destination for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
In addition to paddleboarding, Lake Conroe is known for fishing. Anglers can target a variety of species including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for both water sports and fishing enthusiasts.
Numerous launch spots dot Lake Conroe’s shoreline, providing easy access for paddleboarders to explore its expansive waters. April Sound Marina is particularly popular among paddlers due to its convenient location and amenities.
To avoid crowds, plan your paddleboarding adventure at Lake Conroe during weekdays, as marinas and popular spots like April Sound Marina can get busy on weekends.
Meanwhile, several rental shops around the lake offer paddleboard rentals and may also provide lessons for beginners looking to learn the ropes. This makes it easy for you to enjoy paddleboarding even without bringing your own equipment.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent when visiting Lake Conroe, as the bugs can be quite bothersome in certain areas. |
9. The Woodlands
Media credit: @visitthewoodlands
Website: https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1243/About-The-Woodlands
Address: 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard The Woodlands, TX 77381, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-363-2447
The Woodlands is perfect for those seeking a peaceful paddleboarding experience, free from tides or strong currents. Its spacious parking areas and accessible docks make it convenient for launching paddle boards and enjoying the serene waters.
You’ll find several paddleboard rental shops throughout The Woodlands, ensuring easy access to this equipment for visitors.
Popular rental spots include Riva Row Boat House and Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, offering convenient services for exploring the area’s waterways.
Exploring The Woodlands via paddle board also allows you to discover its recreational amenities, including shops, playgrounds, and waterfront restaurants.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of The Woodlands’ recreation programs tailored for families. From sports leagues to nature workshops, these programs provide opportunities for children to learn new skills and make friends in a supervised setting. |
10. San Marcos River
Website: https://www.visitsanmarcos.com/things-to-do/san-marcos-river/
Address: 555 Cheatham St. San Marcos, TX 78666, United States
Contact Details: +1 512-393-8400
The San Marcos River, found between Houston and Austin, offers a picture-perfect setting for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Known for its clear waters and scenic views, the San Marcos River provides an ideal backdrop for a relaxing paddleboarding experience.
Here, you can enjoy glimpses of lush vegetation and shaded areas along the riverbanks as they glide through the calm waters.
There are also numerous launch spots along the San Marcos River, providing you with options to start your journey from various locations along its course.
Whether you prefer a short paddle or a longer exploration, the river offers versatility for different skill levels and preferences.
For those looking to extend their adventure, the San Marcos area offers plenty of camping options near the river. Combining paddleboarding with camping allows you to immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the river.
| Pro tip: Attach a paddle leash to your board to prevent losing it in the river’s current, especially if you’re camping overnight. This simple addition can save you time and hassle in retrieving your paddle. |
