If you have a trip to Houston planned, you may still be hunting for the city’s top shopping districts, restaurants, and museums to visit–but don’t stop your search there. For those hoping to split their trip between the city and the great outdoors, there is also a wide range of outdoor activities in the greater Houston, TX, area.
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the best outdoor activities in Houston, ranging from water adventures to sightseeing and biking.
Take a look and find something that works for you!
Visit Buffalo Bayou Park
You can stay right in downtown Houston for your first outdoor adventure. Buffalo Bayou Park is a great option for those who love the outdoors. Easily accessible via I-10 West and I-10 East, this park offers designated parking areas, making it convenient for visitors coming from all directions.
The Sandy Reed Memorial Trail is a wide concrete path ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, but it’s not the only trail at Buffalo Bayou. The Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail is another great spot, perfect for kayaking.
Cycling is another option at Buffalo Bayou Park. The locals will tell you that the trails tend to get quite muddy if you visit after heavy rain–so keep this in mind if you have kids or pets with you.
Visit Hermann Park
Hermann Park is best known for being the home of the Houston Zoo, a family favorite. Since it has become one of the most popular spots for families, it gets pretty crowded on the weekends (especially mid-day around the zoo).
Outside of the zoo, you’ll also find McGovern Lake in Hermann Park, which offers relaxing pedal boat rides (for a small fee). However, the Hermann Park Railroad provides unlimited ride passes.
The Japanese Garden within Hermann Park provides a serene escape if you want to unwind. After a visit with the kids at the zoo, you may need a little me-time.
With picnic areas and walking paths, Hermann Park has something for everyone, making it a prime spot for a fun-filled day. Ask the locals, and they’ll tell you their favorite thing about Hermann Park is the nostalgic feel.
Enjoy a Day at Memorial Park
Memorial Park offers a wide range of recreational activities. Spanning 300 acres, the park is renowned for its municipal golf course, Memorial Park Golf Course, which is considered one of the best municipal courses in the country.
In addition to golf, Memorial Park has tennis, fitness, and swimming facilities.
Memorial Park also offers a 2.88-mile jogging and walking loop with distance markers and nearly six miles of trails designed for biking, hiking, and running.
Birdwatching at Brazos Bend State Park
Just an hour’s drive from downtown Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is a perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The park is home to more than 300 bird species, making it a prime location for bird watchers visiting the area.
Did you know that Brazos Bend State Park also offers guided birdwatching hikes? These hikes are suitable for both seasoned birders and novices, so bring the whole family along. On average, they last about two hours and are free with admission, which is typically around $7 per adult.
Along your journey at this coveted state park, you’re sure to spot some species like Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Anhinga, and Bald Eagle. Brazos Bend State Park has an observation tower at 40-acre Lake that offers panoramic views, allowing for an even better vantage point to observe the birds in their natural habitat. Keep in mind it’s a natural area so you may spot an alligator (or two).
Water Adventures on Lake Conroe
Don’t head to Lake Conroe unless you plan to go in the water. Located north of Houston you’ll find a variety of activities like fishing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. There are also designated swimming spots on Lake Conroe.
For those who love to fish, the lake is a favorite spot for anglers seeking species like largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Catfish, in particular, can be found in deeper waters with sand or gravel bottoms.
As one of the largest and most active lakes in the Houston area, you won’t get bored at Lake Conroe.
Visit Galveston Island
Galveston Island, situated along the Gulf of Mexico, offers a blend of scenic beauty and historical charm. With 32 miles of coastline, the island is a beachgoer’s paradise. Galveston Island’s beaches are ideal for soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, or taking a dip in the Gulf waters.
One of the great things about the Houston region is access to both the Gulf of Mexico and natural lakes and bodies of water.
Beyond the beaches, Galveston Island is home to the famous Pleasure Pier, an amusement park that offers rides and attractions for all ages. The Pleasure Pier has roller coasters and kid-friendly carousels. Like any great beachside pier, you’ll also find food options and retail shops.
Hiking and Biking in George Bush Park
Located west of Houston, George Bush Park is an expansive green space that offers various outdoor activities. The park’s trails, primarily asphalt and concrete surfaces, are ideal for hikers and bikers in the area.
These well-maintained trails are a must-visit spot, whether you’re on foot or on two wheels.
The trails at George Bush Park are generally unshaded, which can make summer visits hotter. Despite this, the lush landscapes and scenic views make it worthwhile.
Kayaking in Armand Bayou Nature Center
Kayaking at Armand Bayou Nature Center is just as fun as it is educational. While you’re here, take a guided kayaking tour, which covers about 2-3 miles round trip. The kayaking tours are open to beginners and experienced kayakers. However, you must be at least 16 years old to participate.
Note that the weight limit for the kayaks is 375 pounds, and each kayak accommodates only one person. The tours have a maximum capacity of 12 participants, and they require advance reservations to secure a spot.
Gliding through Armand Bayou’s calm waters, you can observe rich biodiversity and learn about local ecosystems. Don’t be surprised by some of the unique wildlife you’ll see along the way.
Explore the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is great for visitors and locals hoping to learn more about the area’s local ecosystems. Spanning 155 acres, the arboretum offers five miles of trails open to the public for free.
Recent additions include new trails, boardwalks, and six educational Field Stations along the paths.
Family Fun at Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a vibrant park located in downtown Houston. If you have an hour or two to kill, this is the perfect place to bring the whole family. The Discovery Green Park has playgrounds and splash pads that will appeal to children of all ages.
You’ll also find scheduled activities like movie nights and festivals. In fact, locals will tell you that if you’re making a last-minute trip to Discovery Green, you’ll want to check the schedule to see if anything is planned. There’s an activity almost every day of the week.
In addition to all the family-friendly activities, you’ll also find Johnny Steele Dog Park and the Water Works Visitor Center, where you can rent bikes for a quick tour of the park.
Summary
If you have recently moved to Houston, you now have plenty of activities for your next weekend or day off. If sorting and storing your belongings after a big move is using up all of your free time, consider using Neighbor. Neighbor is a peer to peer self storage marketplace where you can find pre-vetted storage hosts all over the Houston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston an Outdoorsy City?
Yes, Houston offers a range of outdoor activities. You’ll find everything from kayaking in Buffalo Bayou to hiking in nearby parks like Memorial Park and Brazos Bend State Park. Oh, and don’t forget the beaches at Galveston Island!
What Cities Are 1 Hour Away From Houston?
Cities like Galveston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land are all about an hour’s drive from Houston.
