From bayou-side promenades to wooded preserves, here are some of Houston’s most popular destinations for outdoor activities.

Buffalo Bayou Park

The park offers several trails, including a paved, winding trail along the bayou for walking and biking.

  • Length: 160 acres
  • Surface: paved and natural trails
  • Adjacent Amenities: dog park, picnic areas, kayaking, restrooms
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, places to rest
  • 105 Sabine St., Houston

M-K-T Trail

The trail is named after the old Missouri, Kansas, Texas Southern Pacific Railroad and runs between T C Jester Boulevard and Hogan Street, giving walkers and bikers a tour through the Houston Heights.

  • Length: 4.6 miles
  • Surface: paved
  • Adjacent Amenities: restaurants, parks
  • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston

Menil Park

Owned by the Menil Collection, the park in Montrose features open green spaces for lounging and several walking paths.

  • Length: 30 acres
  • Surface: paved sidewalks, landscaped pathways, natural green spaces
  • Adjacent Amenities: meditation garden, Rothko Chapel, outdoor sculptures
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms
  • 1423 Branard St., Houston

Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve

The nature preserve offers roughly a mile of trails through wooded areas and is home to 153 species of birds, 200 species of plants and 44 species of butterflies.

  • Length: 20 acres
  • Surface: natural
  • Adjacent Amenities: butterfly garden, wildflower area
  • 2400 W. 11th St., Houston

Houston Arboretum

Visitors at the arboretum can enjoy 5 miles of walking trails that wind through native prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland and riparian habitats.

  • Length: 155 acres
  • Surface: natural
  • Adjacent Amenities: nature center, gift shop
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
  • 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston

White Oak Bayou Greenway

The hiking and biking trail connects Houstonians to the downtown area and passes through the historic Heights and Woodland Heights communities.

  • Length: 17 miles
  • Surface: paved
  • Adjacent Amenities: connects to other hiking and biking trails
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas
  • 2799 Moy St., Houston

Sabine Promenade

The promenade offers skyline views from the edge of the Buffalo Bayou and serves as a pedestrian gateway to Downtown Houston.

  • Length: 1.2 miles
  • Surface: paved
  • Adjacent Amenities: Buffalo Bayou Park, kayaking entrance
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas
  • Sabine St., Houston

Memorial Park features miles of natural trails and several paved paths. (Courtesy Memorial Park Conservancy)Memorial Park features miles of natural trails and several paved paths. (Courtesy Memorial Park Conservancy)

Memorial Park

Located in the heart of Houston, the park features walking, hiking and biking trails, as well as shaded areas and covered patios.

  • Length: 1,500 acres
  • Surface: natural
  • Adjacent Amenities: playgrounds, track, sports fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, swimming pool, picnic tables, restrooms
  • Accessibility: places to rest
  • 6501 Memorial Drive, Houston

Eleanor Tinsley Park

Located within Buffalo Bayou Park, the park has skyline views and designated pathways for walking, running and cycling.

  • Length: 6.5 acres
  • Surface: paved
  • Adjacent Amenities: Eleanor Tinsley Garden, sand volleyball court, restrooms
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
  • 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston

Levy Park

The park near Upper Kirby features large green spaces, two dog parks and several amenities for children.

  • Length: 5.9 acres
  • Surface: paved walking trail
  • Adjacent Amenities: dog park, playground, picnic tables, pavilion, garden, restrooms
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible areas, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, places to rest
  • 3801 Eastside St., Houston