Houston was born on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, and today this winding waterway is the city’s most scenic green corridor. Buffalo Bayou Park stretches 160 acres from Shepherd Drive to downtown, wrapping the skyline in trails, gardens, and some of the best sunset views in Texas.
The park is a runner’s and cyclist’s paradise, with miles of paved trails shaded by native trees. Don’t miss the dandelion-like sculpture “Tolerance” at Eleanor Tinsley Park, the playful fountains of the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area, or the Waugh Drive Bridge at dusk, when 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats swirl out from underneath it — one of Houston’s most magical natural spectacles. Canoe and kayak launches make it easy to see the city from the water itself.
It’s ideal for active families, photographers chasing the skyline, and romantics watching the sun drop behind downtown. Tip: the Sabine Promenade at the park’s eastern end offers the most postcard-perfect view of the Houston skyline — bring your camera and stay for the golden hour.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Barera
