When people think of big cities, they tend to think of concrete and skyscrapers. The attractions that jump to the forefront of their minds are usually buildings: museums, stadiums, restaurants, historic sites, etc. People often forget that almost every city in the United States has made a concerted effort to have plenty of green space available as well, with beauty and activities that appeal to nature lovers.
Houston, Texas, is no exception to this general rule. As the fourth-largest city in the country, Houston obviously offers much of what you would expect in a large urban setting, with plenty of sites to see and fun adventures to enjoy in man-made structures. However, Houston also offers plenty of amazing outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy, and many of them are the most budget-friendly options in the city.
The Parks Along Buffalo Bayou
There are several parks along the main waterway in Houston. Buffalo Bayou Park, Spotts Park, and Bayou Park are right next to each other and have miles of beautiful hiking/biking trails. You can also rent a kayak or canoe if you prefer your adventures on the water. A bit further down the bayou (about four miles), you will find the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, which features, at no cost, over five miles of nature trails through different habitats, including a Hummingbird & Butterfly Island, Sensory Garden, and Wildlife Garden.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is an absolutely beautiful urban park in the heart of downtown. However, what truly sets it apart is that there are special events happening virtually every day of the year. From movies to concerts to poetry slams to art shows and more, there truly is something for everyone. If that’s not enough of a draw, there’s even an ice rink over the winter months. Ice skating on a 70-degree day? Who wouldn’t love that?
Waterwall Park
While there are certainly architectural marvels to enjoy in other parts of Houston, most consider the crown jewel to be the structure in Waterwall Park. Upon a pristine carpet of green grass lies a 64-foot semicircular fountain that recirculates 11,000 gallons of water per minute. Add to all of this the fact that the park is surrounded by beautiful oak trees, and it becomes clear why this is thought to be the most photographed spot in the city.
Japanese Gardens
If you need some time for quiet reflection, this is the place to go. Enter through a gate and seemingly take a portal to another world, a five-acre slice of heaven. Spend time enjoying the flowers, the rock formations, the tranquil pond, and the teahouse. Leave refreshed and rejuvenated.
This list is certainly not comprehensive, as there are so many wonderful natural nooks within the city of Houston alone, not to mention the surrounding areas (after all, within an hour, you can be fishing in the Gulf of Mexico). So while Houston has everything to appeal to the urbanite — and that may be what most associate with Space City — it has everything any nature lover could ever want as well.
Image via Flickr by Francisco Antunes | CC BY 2.0.
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