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Explore Buffalo Bayou Park

Houston, Texas

4.3/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sarah Vaughn

As one of the newest up and coming urban parks, Buffalo Bayou offers over 5 miles of running and biking trails, dog parks, kayaking, and some of the most breathtaking skyline views.

Boasting 160 acres, Buffalo Bayou is a common go-to destination for some relaxation and recreation for local Houstonians. At any given time you will find people here enjoying a picnic, playing pick-up volleyball or basketball games, walking their dog, biking, or simply just enjoying the views of the Houston skyline. The park is situated between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway, while stretching from the Sabine bridge to Shephard Dr. For many locals the park is easily accessible by walking or biking, however if driving, the best option for parking would be near Spotts Park on Willia St. From here there is easy access to the trails, and also a bicycle rental station.

There is literally tons of activities you can find yourself doing in this wonderful park. Starting with the run and bike trails, aka the Sandy Reed Memorial Trails, span on both sides of the bayou. Parts of the trail are reserved for runners/walkers only, and the wider sets of trails allow bikes as well. Check out the Trail Guide to see exactly where the paths can take you and what gems to spot along the way.

One of these gems to keep an eye out for is the Bat Colony residing under the Waugh bridge. Around sunset each evening you can catch around 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge into the dusk-lit sky. Signage around this area will educate you further on the bats and their home here in Buffalo Bayou.

Additionally, the Bayou provides a cement skatepark, a dog park, B-Cycle bicycle rent stations, kayaking, and Eleanor Tinsley Park which annually hosts Houston’s own Free Press Summer Fest musical festival each June.

After spending some time in Buffalo Bayou, there are a multitude of options nearby for some quick, yet tasty, food and drinks. On Washington Ave, you can find Cuban joint El Rey or for some brews check out either Luke’s Ice House, also located on Washington, or The Refinery on Dallas St.

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Features

Fitness
Cycling
Chillin
Photography
Running
Kayaking
Yoga
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Picnic Area
River
Scenic

Explore Buffalo Bayou Park Reviews

the park was very nice with great views but hard to access or find parking

Played beach volleyball one day, biked the park the next and went to brunch on my last day. Loved each part and had a great time! We did B-cycle and the only annoying thing was trying to make sure we could dock the bike again before the time ran out, but that wasn't a big deal. And the food was great at the casual restaurant! Looks really fancy from the outside but don't let that intimidate you.

I rented a cruiser bicycle to ride around the bayou with my sister and cousin. We had a lot of fun!

Speaking of the B-Cycle, people can also try and complete the B-Cycle challenge and rent a bike and check it into every one of the city's B-Cycle stations within a 24 hour period! It gives a great tour of the city, plenty of options for beer and taco stops and a reason to explore Houston!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hit the Trails at Memorial Park

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Outer Loop

Hike the Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary Trail

Oyster Creek Loop

Hike Cullen Park Hike And Bike Trail

Hike George Bush Hike And Bike Trail