Explore Buffalo Bayou Park

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.