Buffalo Bayou Park

If the city’s gridlock has you down, head to the park for a breather. Your best bet is to start at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park, a former reservoir site turned into an event space and visitor center, then follow the bayou-side hiking and biking trails, which are dotted with fitness areas, picnic spots, and public art installations. Another way to go is to rent kayaks and explore the bayou on the water.

• The park is ideal for jogging, cycling, walking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the water.

• Discover unique art installations and sculptures scattered throughout the park.

• Find public restrooms near the Lost Lake and The Water Works visitor centers

• Grab a bite at food trucks near Water Works and a restaurant near Lost Lake.

• Outside of the Johnny Steele Dog Park, dogs must be kept on leashes.

• Park amenities include water fountains, picnic areas, play areas for kids, tennis courts, and a skate park.

The Water Works Visitor Center is on the west end of the park across Interstate Highway 45 from Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. It’s a 5-minute drive from the center of downtown, but you can also ride the Green or Purple light rail line up Capitol Street to the end of the line, then walk across the Hobby Center Pedestrian Bridge and the Sabine Promenade.

Buffalo Bayou Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, though lighted areas stay open longer. The park makes a great viewpoint to watch July 4th fireworks and celebrations. Generally, Houston is a year-round destination but can get hot and muggy in the summer—if you find yourself in the city then, try to visit the park in the morning or evening.

The park lies along a section of the Buffalo Bayou, a waterway that flows about 52 miles (84 kilometers) into Galveston Bay. Bayous are typically slow-moving waterways or swamps with brackish water, and while the most famous ones are in Louisiana, Buffalo Bayou is known for being the site of Houston’s founding in 1836.