Parks and nature in Houston

Houston’s outdoor landscape ranges from the 64-foot semi-circular fountain at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park to the historic grounds of the San Jacinto Battleground, site of the 1836 battle for Texas independence. The 132-acre Houston Botanic Garden showcases global flora, while the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve offers 80 acres of wetlands and fishing around Marshall Lake. For larger expanses, Bear Creek Pioneers Park provides over 2,000 acres of trails and wildlife habitats, complemented by neighborhood green spaces featuring sports facilities and community playgrounds.

Houston Parks & Nature — Map

keithperkins / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Artificially made waterfall, this one is a refreshing place to visit while in Houston. Can't miss the chill-out!

Louis Vest / CC BY 2.0

B

USS Texas

USS Texas is a museum ship in Galveston and former United States Navy New York-class battleship.

Louis Vest / CC BY 2.0

C

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site includes the location of the Battle of San Jacinto and the museum ship USS Texas.

D

Houston Botanic Garden

A 132-acre site featuring themed global gardens, wetlands, and a culinary garden on a former municipal golf course.

Pleonic / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Bear Creek Pioneers Park

Bear Creek Pioneers Park is a 2,154-acre park located in the U.S. city of Houston, Texas, at 3535 War Memorial Drive.

F

Barbara Jordan Park

Named after an important persona fighting for African-American civil rights. This park is surely a place Barbara Jordan would be proud for.

G

Carruth Plaza

Carruth Plaza is a Western sculpture garden in Houston, Texas. It is part of NRG Park.

H

Alexander Deussen Park

Named after a petroleum geologist Alexander Deussen, this public park is now a fine place for families and picnic.

I

Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve

An 80-acre preserve featuring a 1.7-mile paved loop around Marshall Lake, fishing piers, and a canoe launch.

J

Lee Hager Park

Neighborhood park featuring a playground, basketball court, and walking trail.

K

South Main Estates Park

Local green space equipped with a playground and picnic areas.

L

Southcrest Park

Community park featuring a playground and open recreational space.

M

Blueridge Park

Residential park offering a playground and outdoor activity space.

N

Christia V. Adair Park

Named for the civil rights activist, this park includes a community center, playground, and walking trails.

O

Carter Park

Neighborhood park with a playground and picnic facilities.

P

Stewart Park

Local green space featuring a playground and walking paths.

Q

Canterbury Park

Community park featuring a playground and open field area.

R

Cloverland Park

Public park featuring a swimming pool, community center, playground, and sports fields.

S

Townwood Park

Park offering a community center, swimming pool, and sports courts.

T

Brentwood Park

Neighborhood park with a swimming pool, playground, and walking trails.

Other Lists

Houston Must-Sees Houston's Museums & Heritage Houston's Diverse Places of Worship