We Got Up Before Our Alarm Just to Go to Houston’s Top 10 Spots to See the Sunrise
Who else is guilty of planning to wake up early, only to snooze the alarm on repeat? Well, I’ve never been a fan of waking up early, but that all changed when I found out about Houston’s infamous sunrise spots.
Luckily, this city has various locations to enjoy the sunrise, each catering to your different interests. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a place to jump-start your day with activities or sports, you can find one that suits you.
So, let’s set our alarms together, promise not to hit snooze, and embrace our inner early birds (at least for a day!). Join me in exploring these breathtaking sunrise spots in Houston that are worth waking up for.
1. Graffiti Park
Media credit: @graffitipark_lv
Address: 1503 Chartres St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re a fan of street art and diverse murals, you can visit Graffiti Park in downtown Houston to catch some sunrise.
Here, you can see the different murals from local artists come even more alive as the sun rises. Even better, every visit offers a new perspective as new artwork is added regularly.
Since Graffiti Park is busier during afternoons, visiting it during sunrise will give you a more peaceful setting. Not to mention that the soft morning light adds to the overall calming ambiance.
For wedding photographers, Graffiti Park is also a well-known photoshoot stop for couples, especially those who appreciate art.
Pro tips:
- The nearest public restrooms can be found in restaurants and cafes. You may consider going to Tout Suite, grab a coffee, and use their restroom before and after you visit Graffiti Park.
- While parking near Graffiti Park is limited, you can find available parking spots along Caroline Street or Leeland Street, which are often less crowded.
2. Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park
Address: Holcombe and Main Houston, TX 77030, 6977 Main St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Located near the largest healthcare in the whole world, Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park serves as a green space for medical practitioners, and medicine students who wish to take a little breather.
It is a good thing that Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park is also known as a great sunrise spot, allowing those in the area to catch a little bit of sun during their tiring duties.
On the other hand, Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park has also been a go-to area for photographers, great for those who need to squeeze in some shoots amid the busy district.
Here, you can also find some shaded benches behind pergolas where you can sit and relax if you wish to stay after catching the sunrise.
And for those of you who love clocking in some steps during the morning, you can take a stroll along the waterways, fountains, and water pillars.
Pro tip:
There are no parking provisions within Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park’s premises. Towing is heavily enforced in the area too, so don’t attempt to park on the streetside.
While some can opt for the medical center’s parking spot, it’s probably smarter to just take a taxi or book a ride-sharing service instead for convenience.
3. Evelyn’s Park Conservancy
Media credit: @evelynspark
Website: http://www.evelynspark.org/
Address: 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-946-9372
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Another sunrise spot in Houston is at Evelyn’s Park Conservancy. Imagine catching a sunrise and wrapping it up by doing some Pilates in the green space.
You can also join some Houstonians doing their morning Tai Chi at Evelyn’s Park Conservancy.
If you wish to take your kids with you, you’ll be delighted to find play areas inside Evelyn’s Park Conservancy. Your kids can play at the splash pad too–just make sure you bring extra clothes with you!
And if you need to rest up a bit, there are pavilions and shaded areas within Evelyn’s Park. You can even pack some breakfast food so you can set up a little picnic with the whole family.
Pro tips:
- Remember to leave your furry friends at home as pets aren’t allowed on the premises.
- Consider parking behind Betsy’s at Evelyn Park Restaurant as it has more parking slots in this lot.
4. Cullen Sculpture Garden
Media credit: @adasb556
Website: https://www.mfah.org/visit/cullen-sculpture-garden/
Address: Calumet St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-639-7300
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM;
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
You can also watch the sunrise at Cullen Sculpture Garden, a place where you can appreciate modern art from known artists such as Joan Miro, David Smith, and Henri Matisse.
You can enjoy some 20th-century art as your backdrop while watching the sunrise. After that, you can walk amid sculpted gardens complemented by concrete walls, bamboo, and native trees.
For more fun and activities, you can opt to visit Cullen Sculpture Garden during weekends so you can also join their yoga and Zumba classes.
If you ever get tired, Cullen Sculpture Garden has lots of seats around.
Pro tips:
- If you want to park near the museum, you can go to the underground garage at 5101 Montrose Boulevard.
- Eating inside the garden is not allowed. Look for the designated picnic area if you need to take a quick break.
5. Armand Bayou
Media credit: @armandbayounaturecenter
Website: https://www.abnc.org/
Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-474-2551
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
If you don’t mind a little drive, you can visit Armand Bayou and see how the sun rises in this area. Here, you can catch the sun rising behind the trees in the bayou, reflecting on the waters.
Armand Bayou is also great for those who want to maximize their day filled with outdoor adventures such as kayak tours, hiking trails, and eco camps.
Sunrise at Armand Bayou is also a great time for you to see some wildlife such as herons, egrets, and songbirds. And if you’re lucky, you can also see some deer who have just woken up from their slumber.
Meanwhile, you can also walk along the parks inside Armand Bayou. Just remember to follow the trails and paths to protect the place.
Pro tips:
- The restroom is located inside the visitor center inside Armand Bayou. Consider visiting the restroom as there are no other available facilities near the trails or the sunrise spot.
- If you’re visiting early morning, make sure to wear boots or shoes with rubber soles, as the morning fog can lead to a more slippery ground.
6. Galveston Beach
Media credit: @sarah._h25
Website: http://www.galvestonbeachinfo.com/
Address: 6285 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Contact Details: +1 888-425-4753
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to watch a sunrise by the sea, then Galveston Beach is the right one for you. Here, you can set up your beach blankets, pull out the coffee flask, and enjoy the view.
After admiring the sunset, you can head over for a swim. And if you feel sporty, you can try various water sports available at Galveston Beach such as kayaking, jetski, and parasailing.
If you’re a fan of fishing, you can try reeling in little spinner sharks at Galveston Beach too. This allows you to continue your chill morning after catching the sunrise.
Pro tip:
Watch out for systematic and color-coded flags used by Galveston Beach. Purple flags indicate the presence of dangerous marine life, which commonly includes jellyfish.
7. Baytown Nature Center
Media credit: @baytownnaturecenter
Website: http://www.galvestonbeachinfo.com/
Address: 6285 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Contact Details: +1 888-425-4753
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re searching for a sunrise spot that’s both recreational and scenic, Baytown Nature Center is the right one for you. Here, you’re not just catching sun rays at the crack of dawn, you also get to appreciate the cultural history and local environment.
Like us, you’ll probably appreciate watching the sunrise with freshwater trees and ponds as your backdrop.
Photographers will also enjoy their time catching wildlife, or even take some landscape photography.
Biking trails are also available in Baytown Nature Center so you can plan to cycle your way to Baytown Nature Center for a little bit of cardio.
Your kids are also welcome to spend some time here—only if you can wake them up to catch the sunrise with you! Or you can probably let them know that they can visit a butterfly garden and explore the playground after.
Pro tip:
Baytown Nature Center opens its gates 30 minutes before sunrise, make sure to visit early so you can secure a good spot inside.
8. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Media credit: @milleroutdoor
Website: http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Contact Details: +1 832-487-7102
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
While Miller Outdoor Theatre is widely known as a venue for free performances and community events, this open-air theatre can also be a great venue to catch sunrise and sunset in the Houston area.
Here, you can bring your kids with you as they will likely enjoy morning shows arranged for them such as learning jazz and ballet.
You can also see early risers such as joggers and yogis catching the sunrise on their way.
Pro tip:
Consider securing a good spot in the open-air theatre by being at the turf area at least 30 minutes before 9 in the morning. This allows your children to be seated at the front so they can appreciate and participate in the shows.
9. Memorial Park
Media credit: @memorialparkconservancy
Website: http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-863-8403
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
If you’re looking for a sunrise spot with great running trails, then you should add Memorial Park. Here, you’ll appreciate the oldest and largest urban park in Texas in the middle of a bustling city.
After admiring the sunrise, or maybe even after doing some meditation, you can opt to experience other recreational activities like biking and swimming.
If your kids want to play some sports, you can let them play softball, track, skating, or volleyball. You can also let them enjoy the morning sun by letting them swim.
Meanwhile, for the daddies out there, you can also squeeze in a little time to play some tee after seeing the golden light.
With so many activities and sports at Memorial Park, who knows you might end up catching the sunset too!
Pro tip:
You may check out the recently opened Eastern Glades inside the Memorial Park if you prefer a sunrise view with a picnic area and walking trails.
10. Sabine Street Bridge
Media credit: @jachavez16
Website: http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/
Address: Buffalo Bayou Walk, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Sabine Street Bridge has been a go-to spot for those who want to see the sunrise over the Houston skyline.
What’s great about Sabine Street Bridge is that the waters of the bayou beautifully reflect the colors of the golden light, allowing you to take great photos in the area.
The best sunrise view is at the center of the bridge, so make sure to secure that spot while it’s still dark. It’s also a favored spot for photo enthusiasts, allowing them to capture the best shots at the break of dawn.
Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy watching the sunrise while walking, there are pathways adjacent to the bridge.
Pro tip:
Consider dropping by the Waugh Drive Bat Bridge if you want to spot some bats returning to their roosts.
