Buffalo Bayou Park is Houston’s premier 160-acre green space, stretching from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street along the historic waterway that gave birth to the city. This award-winning urban park offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, public art, and recreational opportunities in the heart of downtown Houston.
Park Features and Amenities
The park features extensive hike and bike trails with both lighted areas (open 6am-11pm) and natural sections (dawn to dusk). Visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, a popular nature play area, and Houston’s go-to dog park. The Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within Buffalo Bayou Park, is one of Houston’s most beloved outdoor spaces, featuring the Bud Light Amphitheater lawn and the open-air Nau Family Pavilion.
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
One of the park’s most unique attractions is The Cistern, a former underground drinking water reservoir built in 1926. This 87,500-square-foot space now serves as a stunning public art venue, offering tours and installations in its cathedral-like atmosphere with 221 concrete columns.
Visitor Information
The Water Works Visitor Center and Buffalo Bayou Boutique are located at 105-B Sabine Street, open daily from 9am to 6pm. The park itself offers free admission and multiple access points with parking available on Sabine Street and metered parking along Allen Parkway. Buffalo Bayou Partnership maintains and operates the park, offering kayak tours and coordinating events throughout the year.
Where to Stay Near This Attraction
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Experience world-class entertainment at Toyota Center, Houston’s premier sports and entertainment arena. Home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, this state-of-the-art venue hosts top concerts, family shows, and sporting events in the heart of downtown Houston.
Experience the excitement of Major League Baseball at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. This modern retractable-roof stadium in downtown Houston features the iconic Crawford Boxes, world-class amenities, and has hosted multiple World Series championships. Discover ballpark tours, diverse dining options, and family-friendly entertainment at one of Houston’s premier sports venues.
Discover Houston’s #1-rated children’s museum featuring 90,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and hands-on learning. From water play at FlowWorks to STEM labs and the 40-foot Power Tower, this family destination offers bilingual programming for ages 0-12. Free admission Thursdays 5-8pm.
