Top 10 Photo Opportunities
Click the links below to find out why we love each of these parks so much!
- 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!
2. 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.
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. Bill Coats Bridge at Brays Bayou – Bills Coats Bridge’s architectural design offers a unique photo opportunity. Standing atop the bridge, the angles of the design and supporting structures convinced us to add this one to our list of top photo ops! The bridge also offers access to Hermann Park.
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. Helen’s Park – This small, tranquil park is located next to a community center. Featuring small creeks, fountains, and vine-covered walkways, this park is great for photos!
7. Mercer Botanical Garden and Arboretum – This park is both a botanic garden and arboretum located near Humble. The Botanic garden is great for nice photos, while the arboretum offers miles of walking trails while surrounded by tall trees and creeks. Photos coming soon!
8. Cullen Sculpture Garden -Located in the heart of the Museum District, the Cullen sculpture garden is home to the recent addition of Houston’s “Cloud Column” created by the same sculptor as the Chicago “Bean.” The park is also collected to the MFAH Lillie and Roy Sculpture Garden, featuring many unique works.
9. Smither Park – This hidden park is not well-known to most Houstonians is really a free outdoor museum/art project. The park is full of random pieces of mosaic-style artwork. It’s small and doesn’t take much time to walk through, just a couple of minutes is all you need. Photos coming soon!
10. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center – Located within Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum is an enclosed part of the park which is managed b 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