Our Top 6 Inner Loop Parks
- Hermann Park – With its many different activities including proximity to the Houston Zoo and numerous museum, free Miller Outdoor shows, beautiful gardens, and large size, there is no doubt that Hermann Park is our all-time favorite Houston Park. This park also falls under our top parks for photo opportunities. The Japanese Gardens and Centennial Gardens are both popular spots for engagement photos, wedding proposals and graduation shots. Hermann Park is located within the 610 loop near the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Houston Museum District.
2. Eleanor Tinsley Park/Buffalo Bayou Park – Eleanor Tinsley Park is on our list primarily for the views it offers of the Houston downtown skyline. This park is makes up a portion of the larger Buffalo Bayou Park, which offers great running trails, artwork installations, and photo opportunities. This park is located in downtown and parking may be difficult to find. Click the link to discover our tips for visiting!
3. Bayou Bend – The Bayou Bend Gardens are a part of the larger MFAH museum system. The gardens are on the grounds of the former home of Houston philanthropist, Ima Hogg. Bayou Bend is located within the Heights area of Houston. The best time to visit is springtime when the flowers are in full bloom! Photos coming soon!
4. Memorial Park – Memorial Park makes our list due to the addition of the new Eastern Glades portion of the park, which offers miles of trails and boardwalks in a wetlands ecosystem surrounding the beautiful Hines Lake. The best part is that the Eastern Glades was created with conservation efforts in mind and is home to over 150 native species of plants. Memorial Park also offers access to multiple sports fields and houses the Houston Arboretum, a non-profit arboretum and nature center.
5. Discovery Green – Discovery Green is our favorite urban park. With a prime location in downtown Houston, sitting next to the George R. Brown Convention Center, there are plenty of activities happening here including free yoga, rotating art exhibits, kayaking, and ice skating in the winter. More photos coming soon!
6. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center – Located within Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum is an enclosed part of the park which is managed by a non-profit. There are miles of hiking trails in the setting of a wetlands ecosystem including the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife. Photos coming soon!
More of our handpicked favorite parks here