From bayou-side promenades to wooded preserves, here are some of Houston’s most popular destinations for outdoor activities.
Buffalo Bayou Park
The park offers several trails, including a paved, winding trail along the bayou for walking and biking.
- Length: 160 acres
- Surface: paved and natural trails
- Adjacent Amenities: dog park, picnic areas, kayaking, restrooms
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, places to rest
- 105 Sabine St., Houston
M-K-T Trail
The trail is named after the old Missouri, Kansas, Texas Southern Pacific Railroad and runs between T C Jester Boulevard and Hogan Street, giving walkers and bikers a tour through the Houston Heights.
- Length: 4.6 miles
- Surface: paved
- Adjacent Amenities: restaurants, parks
- 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston
Menil Park
Owned by the Menil Collection, the park in Montrose features open green spaces for lounging and several walking paths.
- Length: 30 acres
- Surface: paved sidewalks, landscaped pathways, natural green spaces
- Adjacent Amenities: meditation garden, Rothko Chapel, outdoor sculptures
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms
- 1423 Branard St., Houston
Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve
The nature preserve offers roughly a mile of trails through wooded areas and is home to 153 species of birds, 200 species of plants and 44 species of butterflies.
- Length: 20 acres
- Surface: natural
- Adjacent Amenities: butterfly garden, wildflower area
- 2400 W. 11th St., Houston
Houston Arboretum
Visitors at the arboretum can enjoy 5 miles of walking trails that wind through native prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland and riparian habitats.
- Length: 155 acres
- Surface: natural
- Adjacent Amenities: nature center, gift shop
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
- 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston
White Oak Bayou Greenway
The hiking and biking trail connects Houstonians to the downtown area and passes through the historic Heights and Woodland Heights communities.
- Length: 17 miles
- Surface: paved
- Adjacent Amenities: connects to other hiking and biking trails
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas
- 2799 Moy St., Houston
Sabine Promenade
The promenade offers skyline views from the edge of the Buffalo Bayou and serves as a pedestrian gateway to Downtown Houston.
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Surface: paved
- Adjacent Amenities: Buffalo Bayou Park, kayaking entrance
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas
- Sabine St., Houston
Memorial Park
Located in the heart of Houston, the park features walking, hiking and biking trails, as well as shaded areas and covered patios.
- Length: 1,500 acres
- Surface: natural
- Adjacent Amenities: playgrounds, track, sports fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, swimming pool, picnic tables, restrooms
- Accessibility: places to rest
- 6501 Memorial Drive, Houston
Eleanor Tinsley Park
Located within Buffalo Bayou Park, the park has skyline views and designated pathways for walking, running and cycling.
- Length: 6.5 acres
- Surface: paved
- Adjacent Amenities: Eleanor Tinsley Garden, sand volleyball court, restrooms
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
- 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston
Levy Park
The park near Upper Kirby features large green spaces, two dog parks and several amenities for children.
- Length: 5.9 acres
- Surface: paved walking trail
- Adjacent Amenities: dog park, playground, picnic tables, pavilion, garden, restrooms
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
- 3801 Eastside St., Houston
