Buffalo Bayou

(713) 752-0314
| Houston
Downtown

Buffalo Bayou, the 52-mile slow-moving waterway that was the site of Houston's founding in 1836, has become a destination for outdoor recreation near downtown Houston. It remains in its natural state and contains an incredibly diverse urban ecosystem supporting dozens of native species of flora and fauna.

Buffalo Bayou Park:

Buffalo Bayou Park is the 160-acre greenspace that lies along the 2.3-mile stretch of the bayou from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street.  Enhancement of the park was completed in 2015 and was a collaboration of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Kinder Foundation, the City of Houston through Houston Parks & Recreation Department and Harris County Flood Control District.  Buffalo Bayou Park includes beautiful gardens and native landscaping; hike and bike trails; paddle craft and bike rentals; the go-to dog park in the city; public art; a creative nature play area; two visitor centers; and gathering places for visitors to picnic, relax and enjoy outdoor activities.

Sunset Coffee Building:

In 2016, Buffalo Bayou Partnership completed renovation of the historic Sunset Coffee Building at Allen’s Landing, Houston’s birthplace.  In addition to the organization’s administrative offices, the Sunset Coffee Building is a unique venue available for event rentals featuring an indoor space, rooftop terrace and outdoor plaza.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern:

The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a former drinking water reservoir built in 1926 for the City of Houston.  After operating for decades, an irreparable leak was discovered and the 87,500 square foot underground reservoir was decommissioned in 2007.  Recognizing the significance of this landmark, Buffalo Bayou Partnership renovated and repurposed the Cistern into a magnificent public space.  In addition to tours highlighting the history and architecture of the space, the Cistern houses an ambitious program of changing art installations.  Visit buffalobayou.org for a tour schedule and to purchase tickets. Canoe and Kayak Trails:

See downtown from a new perspective. Buffalo Bayou is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Whether your destination is Sesquicentennial Park or Allen’s Landing, the bayou wharfs make take out very easy. Click here for more on canoeing and kayaking and other activities along the bayou.

Hike and Bike Trails:

Click here for a Buffalo Bayou Guide.

Click here for information on Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pontoon boat and walking tours.

Parks:

Many parks line the banks of Buffalo Bayou.

  • Allen's Landing

  • Buffalo Bayou Park

  • Guadalupe Park

  • Hidalgo Park

  • Memorial Park

  • Sabine Promenade

  • Sam Houston Park

  • Sesquicentennial Park

  • Spotts Park

  • Tony Marron Park

  • Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park

Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource.  The organization’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of the bayou that flows from Shepherd Drive, through the heart of downtown into the East End, and onto the Port of Houston Turning Basin.  Thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations, individuals and government agencies, BBP has implemented more than $200 million in improvements for the redevelopment and stewardship of the waterfront – spearheading award-winning projects such as Buffalo Bayou Park, protecting land for future parks and green space, constructing hike and bike trails, and operating comprehensive clean-up and maintenance programs.  Buffalo Bayou Partnership also activates the waterway through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities; volunteer activities; permanent and temporary art installations; and wide-ranging tours and programs that engage tens of thousands of visitors each year.

GENERAL

·       Acreage: 225

·       Dog Park

·       Skate Park

·       Boat Launch

·       Hike/Bike Trails

·       Walking Trail

·       Nature Trail

·       Exercise Equipment

·       Gardens

·       Art/Mural

·       Historical Marker/Museum

·       Picnic/BBQ

·       Playground

 

 

 

Parks
General
  • Acreage: 225
  • Dog Park
  • Skate Park
  • Boat Launch
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Hike/Bike Trails
  • Walking Trail
  • Nature Trail
  • Exercise Equipment
  • Gardens
  • Art/Mural
  • Historical Marker/Museum
  • Picnic/BBQ
  • Playground
  • April 6, 2024
    808 North York | Houston, TX 77003
    Aurora Picture Show and Buffalo Bayou Partnership co-present this free evening of video art along the Buffalo Bayou East waterfront. For...
  • April 19, 2024 - April 24, 2024
    Sunset Coffee Building
    1019 Commerce Street | Houston, TX 77002
    Ripple Effect is an exhibition inspired by Buffalo Bayou, aiming to support the non-profit Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) and Houston...
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