An Adventure Map of Downtown Houston’s Parks
- Stroll Back in Time at Allen's Landing Park
- Explore Buffalo Bayou Park
- Have Fun at Discovery Green
- Enjoy a Picnic at Eleanor Tinsley Park
- Unwind at Hermann Square
- Visit the Johnny Goyen Park
- Relax at Johnny Steele Dog Park
- Take in the Views at Lynn Wyatt Square
- Experience Market Square Park
- Step into Quebedeaux
- Play Ball at Root Memorial Square
- Check out Sabine Promenade
- Immerse Yourself in History at Sam Houston Park
- Celebrate Houston at Sesquicentennial Park
- Wander around the Sisters of Charity Park
- Try Something New at Skylawn
- Roam around The Acre
- Revel in Tranquility Park’ Peace
- Witness the Charm of Trebly Park
Downtown Houston is where the city’s pulse vibrates with the humdrum of daily life and the buzzing excitement of tourists. However, there’s more to the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of the city.
It’s also home to a collection of unique urban parks waiting to be explored! Each with its own character and charm, these provide an escape from the city’s rush and a chance to connect with nature right in the midst of the metropolis.
So, grab your walking shoes, a picnic blanket, or your four-legged friends, and let’s wander through the delightful parks of downtown Houston!
Stroll Back in Time at Allen’s Landing Park
Address: 1005 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 752 0314
Hours: Open Everyday 24/7
Often celebrated as Houston, Texas’ birthplace, the land occupied by Allen’s Landing is exactly where August C. and John K. Allen first set foot in the city in 1836 and staked their claim to the new territory.
The intersection of Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou was the location of Houston’s first port. Today, this 1.76-acre jewel has undergone many revitalization projects, including a wharf that’s a replica of the original port.
Strolling along its historic shores along the trail and walkways, the promenade is a great place to catch up with friends and meet new ones! You can also check the terrace which offers an unobstructed view of the Buffalo Bayou.
Pro Tip:
Every spring, the Texas Dragon Boat Association hosts their annual spring festival in celebration of the Houston Asian American community. They hold dragon boat races which we highly recommend you try to time your visits to for a unique day at the park.
Explore Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX, USA
Phone Number: +1 713 752 0314
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
Tracing downtown’s north-western side, Buffalo Bayou Park is the perfect place for those who enjoy the fusion of natural beauty and urban life. This picturesque park spans across a length of 2.3 miles along the banks of Buffalo Bayou.
Nature lovers can explore 160 acres worth of green spaces with loads of attractions and amenities from trails for walking, hiking, and biking, to exercise stations scattered across the park.
You can also tee off at the Jim Mozola Memorial Disc Golf Course or let your fur babies run wild at the secluded dog park located on site.
Pro Tip:
The Buffalo Bayou Park also serves as an entry point to the Buffalo Bayou if you’re looking to spend the day on the waters. You can paddleboard, go kayaking, or ride a canoe along the bayou and rent your gear from the many shops near the park.
Have Fun at Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 400 7336
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
If you’re looking to discover downtown’s ultimate outdoor haven, you’ll find it at Discovery Green. Spanning almost 12 acres and nestled within the George R. Brown Convention Center, this is one of the city’s most popular parks.
Diverse experiences like a unique children’s playing area with not so typical swings and slides, and an amphitheater and events lawns which regularly hosts shows and performances greet visitors every day.
The park also has Kinder Lake, a man-made lake that has a model boat area where guests race their remote controlled boats and water gardens with aquatic plants.
Pro Tip:
There are 2 restaurants at the park that you have to try! The Grove has walls made of glass that overlook the whole park, while the Lake House has a waterside view. Both restaurants serve up dishes from award winning chef, Robert del Grande!
Enjoy a Picnic at Eleanor Tinsley Park
Address: 18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 394 8805
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Eleanor Tinsley Park, which was named after a prominent member of the Houston City Council, is one of the city’s parks that also doubles as an events place.
On sunny days, you can enjoy a picnic in one of the specifically engineered spots on the open fields where they made indentations within the hills to serve as little pockets where visitors can sit down.
The park also has a skateboard park for the kids or kids at heart to practice their tricks. Henry Moore, a local artist, also has one of his sculptures here titled Large Spindle Piece for you to check out!
Pro Tip:
The park is the site for the city’s annual Free Press Summer Fest Music Festival and the Houston Art Car Parade. It has also been the venue for July 4th celebrations in the past. So, make sure you check out the park’s calendar for upcoming events!
Unwind at Hermann Square
Address: 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 837 0311
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
In the heart of downtown, Hermann Square occupies a city block and is home to Houston’s City Hall. Surrounded by the city’s iconic skyscraper, this is a great place to visit if you’re itching to take some skyline photos of Houston.
While the square may not be adorned with a million bells and whistles, the view of the square with the City Hall made with limestone and the reflecting pool and fountain up front is not something to ignore.
There are benches that line the square with shady areas provided by the oaks that tower along its perimeter.
Pro Tip:
For the perfect photo, try to angle your camera upwards from the pool. Use the water as a mirror to capture the reflection of City Hall, with the trees in the foreground for a beautiful shot blending modernity and nature.
Visit the Johnny Goyen Park
Address: 1 N Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 10:30 pm
Spanning over an area of 2.1 acres, the Johnny Goyen Park situated between the University of Houston Downtown campus and the tranquil Buffalo Bayou is a crucial component of a local initiative.
It’s led by the University of Houston Development Group, Birds and Bats on the Bayou, with a mission to create habitats and resting areas for migratory birds along White Oak and Buffalo Bayous.
If you’re a bird enthusiast, you should definitely bring your binoculars because there’s a big chance you might spot some remarkable feathered visitors during your visit.
Pro Tip:
There is a short but very peaceful bike trail along the south end of the park. If you go on the trail around sunrise, you can spot some birds resting on the branches of the tree, or flying above the pathway.
Relax at Johnny Steele Dog Park
Address: 2929 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 752 0314
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 8 pm
For all the fur moms and dads like us who are always on the lookout for a great new park to take the dogs to, the Johnny Steele Dog Park is the place to be. This is one of the liveliest spots that are perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Located close to Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, this two-acre haven is a canine paradise. It features a pond surrounded by greenery where the dogs can quite literally run wild and cool shaded areas with benches where owners can keep watch.
Washing areas for dogs makes cleaning up a breeze, so that you can leave behind all the mud and soil they track up instead of bringing it into the car and into your home!
Pro Tip:
While you’re there, why don’t you chat with other local dog owners to uncover the park’s hidden gems like the special drinking fountains for dogs and the other cute canine hangout spots within the city.
Take in the Views at Lynn Wyatt Square
Address:601 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone Number: +1 713 853 8100
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
At the heart of Houston’s bustling Theater District, the Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts (LWS) is an exciting place to explore if you’re looking for the next park to stroll around and get your dose of Vitamin D in Houston.
This $26.5 million cultural project is a result of remarkable partnerships and contributions from local government units, several foundations, and art philanthropist Lynn Wyatt.
This vibrant space is a great place to take a walk, especially at night when the city lights come alive. This venue also serves as a popular spot for outdoor concerts and city events.
Pro Tip:
Before unwinding the evening air at Lynn Wyatt Square, try to catch a performance at one of the nearby iconic theaters like Alley Theater or the Wortham Theater Center for a perfect blend of art and nature all in one day.
Experience Market Square Park
Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 650 3022
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
Market Square Park is one of the many busy and bustling parks in downtown Houston’s Historic District, reborn for the modern era. Anchored by a central lawn, this newly revitalized space is located where Houston’s old City Halls once stood.
A crescent-shaped dog run on the west side makes sure our furry companions have a dynamic place to run about. Illuminated walkways that wind through the park offer a glimpse into the district’s storied past, especially on cool quiet nights.
Don’t miss Lauren’s Garden which was built as a memorial honoring Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas, a passenger on United Flight 93. The water features, flowers, sculptures, and even the pebbles here all have special meanings as tribute.
Pro Tip:
If you find yourself craving a bite to eat while you’re at the park, you can go and drop by for a visit at Niko Niko’s, where there’s plenty of shady outdoor seating and classic Greek and American favorites waiting for you.
Step into Quebedeaux
Address: 1115 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 591 6951
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 7 pm
Quebedeaux or now known as Remembrance park is one of the simplest and most compact parks in Downtown Houston, but it’s still one of our favorites. The park has everything you need for a lovely day out.
Stone benches built into the sides of the gardens make for great places to sit and chat underneath the shade of the many trees that call the park home.
The park also features a water fountain at the center with seating around its perimeter, if you prefer to relax by the sound of water trickling.
Pro Tip:
One of the main features of the parkare the 4 marker to remember the 4 people who were lynched in Harris County the 80s-90s. These, art installations, and areas for public education all are to try and spread information on racial and social inequality.
Play Ball at Root Memorial Square
Address: 1400 Clay St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 395 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If your definition of a day at the park means staying active outdoors with a game or 2 of your favorite sport, then the Root Memorial Square is the perfect park to consider visiting in the downtown Houston area.
You can shoot a few hoops with friends at the basketball court which is very popular among the local teenagers.
The park was initially donated to Houston by the Root family in 1923, but recent renovations completed in 2005, have breathed new life into this space. The square now has newly paved sidewalks and improved drainage and lighting.
Pro Tip:
The park features a collection of civic art installations, with some calling the park their permanent homes, while others are only there temporarily. If you’d like to enjoy them with a little peace and quiet, just before dusk is the perfect time to visit.
Check out Sabine Promenade
Address: Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-752-0314
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 9 pm
The Sabine Promenade used to be an abandoned area sandwiching the Buffalo Bayou which only served as an entrypoint for people making their way into Downtown Houston. In an effort to maximize all spaces within the city, the promenade was given a face lift.
Now a 23-acre park extending from Sabine Street to Bagby Street, Sabine Promenade offers a wide network of trails for both hiking and biking complete with 12 access points from the park to the Bayou.
Check out the steel canoe sculptures by John Runnels which are all engraved with stories about the importance of water.
Pro Tip:
Early mornings here are the best if you’re looking for meditative moments. Plus, the view as the sun rises over the bayou is not only perfect for reflection and relaxation, but also for a lovely photo opportunity.
Immerse Yourself in History at Sam Houston Park
Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 394 8805
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 9 pm
If we’re making a list of parks you have to visit in Downtown Houston, the city’s oldest has to make an appearance. As Houston’s oldest park, the 19-acre Sam Houston Park has been a popular destination ever since its establishment in 1899.
Home to the Heritage Society, this park not only features nature trails and loads of greenery, but it also features eight historic structures with some dating back to 1823.
You can explore the park’s Victorian style layout with footpaths that take you to an old mill. There’s also a wooden bridge that overlooks a small stream that keeps in theme with the romantic nature of the park.
Pro Tip:
More than its historical value, the Sam Houston Park also has plenty of spaces where you can be immersed in nature. Don’t forget to drop by the pond on the northern part of the park, as well as the 2 gardens and gazebos.
Celebrate Houston at Sesquicentennial Park
Address: 400 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 395 7000
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
In celebration of Houston’s 150th birthday in 1986, the local government decided to build Sesquicentennial Park. To make the park as special as its reason for establishment, they adorned it with all the glitz and glam they could.
At the park, you can take photos in front of the cascading waterfalls and under the string lights that they have hung up behind it. There’s also a picturesque gazebo and promenade which are great places to hangout and relax, especially in the afternoons.
Beyond the charming aesthetics, this park offers access to the waterways for canoes, kayak, and boats. If you’d rather keep dry, the park also has trails for hikers and bikers!
Pro Tip:
While you’re here, you can opt to pay your respects at the monument of President George H.W. Bush or marvel at artist Mel Chin’s seven 70-foot pillars celebrating Houston’s past and present.
Wander around the Sisters of Charity Park
Address: 1500 St Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 928 6053
Hours: Open every day from 11 am to 7 pm
Nestled in the St. Joseph Medical Center, the serene Sisters of Charity Park gets its name from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the founders of the hospital that eventually became St. Joseph’s.
If you’re one of the many passersby who are unaware of the park’s existence, you won’t be able to spot it just walking by the street, but once inside, the park is surprisingly beautiful.
There is a well maintained garden, stone paths, and rock tunnels. A gentle waterfall provides a soothing backing track while you walk around the area. There are also stained-glass pieces scattered throughout the park.
Pro Tip:
Although the park lets people visit, it does have rules and regulations in place. They don’t allow you to bring food and drinks inside to preserve the cleanliness of the park and since it’s located right next to a hospital, silence is encouraged at all times.
Try Something New at Skylawn
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 999 2550
Hours: Open everyday from 11 am to 9 pm
Skylawn, located at POST Houston, is a one-of-a-kind park. This sprawling five-acre urban park has great views of the city’s skyline and is situated on a rooftop!
It’s a playground for outdoor activities, perfect for quality time with friends and family. Additionally, Outpost, which is a covered outdoor event space, often hosts live performances you get to enjoy.
Skyfarm, a modern food farm by the Blackwood Educational Land Institute can also be found there. It showcases new age technology around unconventional plant growing and urban agriculture supported by local communities.
Pro Tip:
While you’re there, explore the rooftop farm’s seasonal produce and talk to the staff working there for some tips and tricks about taking care of your own garden at home. You can even participate in harvesting if you time it right.
Roam around The Acre
Address: 1241-1299 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 651 1515
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
For a no frills and straightforward place to just hangout in Houston where you have access to the cityscape while still keeping in touch with some greenery, The Acre is one of our go to spots.
Positioned between One and Two Allen Center, The Acre is a lively urban park and activity hub right in the center of Houston’s downtown area.
It boasts an expansive plaza and a sprawling lawn for those looking for a little bit of relaxation while still being enveloped in downtown’s vibrant atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
If you work near the area, pack a light lunch with you or a whole picnic with colleagues and coworkers and enjoy your meal on the grass or on the many tables and chairs set up on the park’s perimeter.
Revel in Tranquility Park’ Peace
Address: 400 Rusk St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 395 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Another one of Houston’s parks that were created to honor a notable event, Tranquility Park was built to celebrate the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969. The park itself features lots of walkways perfect for afternoon or early morning strolls.
The park pays homage to the Sea of Tranquility which it was named after by way of the reflective pools and distinctive cylindrical water fountains.
They’re great to look at, take pictures of, or to indulge in a little meditation to escape the humdrum of everyday stress.
Pro Tip:
The park is beautiful any time of day, but try to explore the park in the evening when the fountains are lit up. The lights hitting the marble and the water as it trickles down and splashes is a sight to see.
Witness the Charm of Trebly Park
Address: 1515 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 862 4570
Hours: Open every day from 6 am to 11 pm
If you prefer smaller neighborhood parks instead of the bigger ones that seem endless but also very tiring, Trebly Park, situated in the southern heart of Downtown, is a delightful quaint park that still caters to diverse interests.
The park features well-manicured lawns where you can lay out blankets on, throw some frisbees in, or play around on. There’s also a garden to walk around in and spaces for dogs to have some fun.
The on-site cafe, Tout Suit is perfect to grab a drink while enjoying the park views.
Pro Tip:
The park features 2 dog areas, one of bigger canine pals and one exclusively for smaller dogs. Be careful where you let your furry friends loose to play for both their safety and your convenience!
