Top Outdoor Destinations to Explore In and Around Houston

Many people focus on Houston’s large buildings, busy shopping areas, and powerful business districts as primary reasons to settle in the city. But the reality is that this vast city doesn’t just have a vibrant culture and powerful economy; it is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Houston is in a scenic part of Texas, near sparkling blue bodies of water, unique marsh environments, and dense forests. If you love getting out and exploring nature, many destinations in and near Houston will catch your eye. Let’s explore some of the Houston area’s most appealing natural sites.

Lake Houston, 15 miles from Houston’s downtown, is a massive reservoir that was formed by the damming of the San Jacinto River. This is a popular destination to swim, boat, fish, canoe, or kayak. The waters teem with freshwater fish, including catfish, bass, and crappie. 

The Armand Bayou Nature Center is the largest urban wilderness preserve in the U.S., a vast area encompassing 2,500 acres in southeast Houston. This beautiful area provides five miles of walking trails and is home to plenty of wildlife, including bison, armadillo, and eagles. Taking a guided tour is an ideal way for families to explore this picturesque area, and the center offers night safaris, activities, and more.

Hermann Park is a massive urban park in the city’s heart, encompassing 445 acres near Houston’s Museum District. Hermann Park brings in six million visitors every year and has many points of interest. The Bayou Parkland has native plants and wildlife, the Family Garden is a scenic interactive garden, and the gorgeous Friendship Pavilion was a gift from Houston’s sister city of Taipei. 

Sea Rim State Park is a day-trip destination, and many Houston residents regularly drive nearly two hours to get there. Sea Rim State Park is situated on Texas’s Gulf Coast, offering 5.2 miles of coastline and 4,000 acres of marshland. It is a hotspot for sunbathing on the beach, fishing in the marshland, or paddling through tranquil waters. It has pleasant boardwalks and trails with Gulf of Mexico views.

Brazos Bend is another large state park within a short drive from Houston, just 45 minutes from downtown. Brazos Bend encompasses 4,897 acres and runs along the Brazos River. It is a popular hiking and camping destination with 37 miles of trails, gorgeous flora and fauna, including brightly-colored native wildflowers, and fishing piers for anglers. Brazos Bend State Park also hosts the George Observatory, which provides incredible views of the stars on clear Texas nights.

Buffalo Bayou Park surrounds Buffalo Bayou. This large urban park, with 160 acres of space, consists of a skate park, picnic pavilion, dog park, and more. Visitors can rent bikes or kayaks to easily explore the area. 

The Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a pleasant natural area that is free to access. It is an idyllic place for visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, with landscaped areas that showcase native and cultivated plants. It includes 250 acres of land to explore along Cypress Creek, hiking areas, picnic spots, boardwalks, and a butterfly house.