Buffalo Bayou Park
1800 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
A 160-acre green ribbon along the bayou with skyline views, the Waugh Bridge bat colony at dusk, the underground Cistern art space, and kayak launches. The best free hour in Houston.
Insider tip
Rent a bike at the Lost Lake visitor center and ride to the Sabine Street bridge for the classic skyline photo.
Before you go
What they actually say
- Lighted areas of the park are open 6am to 11pm; the rest of the park is dawn to dusk.
- The Water Works Visitor Center is open daily, 9am to 6pm.
- Parking at the Water Works is limited and that lot closes after park hours. City Lot H holds more than 400 public spaces. The roughly 140 spaces on Allen Parkway cost $1 for three hours, with a three-hour maximum.
- The dog park is open daily 7am to 8pm with periodic maintenance closures. A maximum of two dogs per person, and dogs must carry City of Houston registration and rabies tags.
- Cyclists are asked to stay under 10mph and keep three feet from pedestrians. The asphalt trails from Shepherd to Sabine Street are for walkers and runners only.
Read off their own site in Sep 2026. Prices and policies drift, so confirm before you travel.
Located in Downtown. Theater District, ballpark, and 7 miles of tunnels.
