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Buffalo Bayou Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
18-3600 Allen Pkwy and Memorial DrHouston, TX 77246
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Buffalo Bayou Park
24 reviews in English
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Review from Erika V.
Updated - 4/29/2012
Oh how I love my new back yard... I mean Buffalo Bayou Park...
This has become my favorite spot to run in town!! It is so beautiful morning and night!!
The lights that reflect off the city's bayous is such a neat effect after dark!!
If you haven't added this on your list of places to workout you definitely should :)Listed in: Best Kid Friendly Spots!!, Best Outdoor Spots, (Better Than a Plastic…, Best Art Around Town
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2010
One of the prettiest places to chase your kids, run your dog or ride your bike! There are even a few… Read more »
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Review from May G.
Houston, TX
5/6/2012
Ok here's the deal, I LOVE allen parkway...i live close by so I've seen the dramatic transformation of the park from a swampy,creepy place...to a gorgeous park.
But with that said, i have to reiterate what some folks have already stated.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR!
I was parked on Allen parkway and Waugh, busy intersections during 2 pm. I went back to my car and found my passenger window busted through, someone went into my back seat and pulled my seats back so far that they are bent, in an effort to get my purse from the back.
scary part is that someone had to have been watching me and tracking my every move to know when to do this.
please save yourself the hardship that i had to go through and leave all your valubles at home! -
Review from Arie M.
3/9/2012 1 photo
It's a very nice park with many different views. Great for bike riding, jogging, or bat watching along Waugh. The biggest problem however is parking if you don't live in one of the yuppie apartments along Allen Parkway or Memorial. I can usually find parking along Sabine Street, but on Montrose, forget it.
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Review from Farrah A.
You are beautiful, Buffalo Bayou Park. Didja know that? You have almost* everything a local could ask for.
Running your seven-plus mile loop from Shepherd all the way into Downtown and back is what I look forward to on a gorgeous day: The pockets of parks sprinkled throughout like Spots and Eleanor Tinsley equipped with volleyball courts, basketball courts and picnic tables keep it family-friendly; there are walkers and runners, hikers and bikers, yogis and sunbathers, cross trainers and kiddies who love those steep hills; skater bois and girls who flock to Joe and Jamail Skate Park; and all the adorable dogs who completely takeover the greenery just below the Studemont bridge.
But what i love most about Buffalo Bayou Park is its many views. I always stop and stretch along Sabine Street Bridge and admire our gorgeous skyline, and just behind me are rolling hills, lush greenery and a beautiful sunset. If the time of day is right, I'll hang out at Waugh bridge and catch the sea of bats heading out for the night. And of course, there's the Bayou. It's murky and it's muggy, but it attracts wildlife into our concrete jungle of a town, and the occasional kayaker or small boat.
And what excites me most is that it's a park in progress. *It lacks a few more garbage cans and water fountains for the runners. But thanks to the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Bayou Buddies, we're seeing gradual changes. Most recently, the bike bridges that cross from Memorial over to Allen Parkway. The new sculptures that sit right along Allen Parkway and Studemont/Montrose are more additions to the park. And the repaving the trails all the way into Downtown and well past the Aquarium, adding some landscaping and making it much more appealing to runners.
This park is great, and if you haven't made it out for a walk with the dog or a festival or a picnic - I reckon you do.
Note: One thing to be sure of, for those who park along Allen Parkway and Studemont (right outside the dog park), leave your valuables at home. I know a handful of close friends who've gotten their cars broken into, and I've seen shattered glass along the streets from other people who've fallen victim to these thieves. Keep your eyes open for sketchy folks. -
Review from Chris C.
8/19/2011
Good for my hybrid bike, as I can conquer the dirt paths where my road bike would not dare to go. And you can't ride on Memorial with your road bike, as there are signs restricting that.
And again, bikers watch out for runners/walkers, as there are alot of them! Please say "passing on your left" and slow down! You don't want everyone to think bikers are jerks!
You can be adventurous and go past Sabine and into downtown, but just know that it dead ends and doesn't complete a loop. I ended up at Spaghetti Warehouse and had to figure out a way to come back on the opposite loop.
So my advise is to just turn around on the same loop and then use the bridges to go on the other side of the loop.
Oh, and there are some homeless people around the area, so may not be the safest if you just go by yourself. Not saying they are a threat, but just play it safe whenever you exercise since that part of the trail is not heavily used.
A good ride is to actually park at Memorial and work your way to this park/trial!Listed in: Exercise those calories!
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Review from Daniel L.
8/14/2011
A nearly perfect park, although a sullen reminder on a warm sunny day as you drive by it between tedious business meeting A and tedious business meeting B that all these people enjoying the park are able to enjoy it while you just keep driving back to a dark, dimly lit cave in the sky with telephones ringing and e-mail alerts sounding.
I really enjoy the new-ish sculptures just off Studemont to the right as you cross over Allen Parkway - they are begging for a new Yelp profile photo to be taken with them.
As Farrah notes, it is a park in progress. Each year around the ubiquitous Spring Break brings me and many others back for the annual AIDS Walk which affords a rare and unique "ooo look at that *points*" to see what has changed nearby and what still has not changed, as you walk on Allen Parkway, yes walk on the closed off street.
The views of the skycave I work in are nice from a distance as you enjoy being outside. There is plenty to do whether you want to run, walk, roller blade, skateboard, or just stand in the middle of the trail and talk with a group of yenta so everyone gets frustrated at having to go around you .... the biggest problem is the parking though. Oh and the cars being broken into. That would also be a problem. Ask your friend to drive?
Remember to wear sunscreen. -
Review from Obaid K.
Houston, TX
It's a nice open park and most people pick up after there pets! My dog can't wait to go and won't eat till she gets her park fix, yea she gets her way ;-)
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Review from Colleen K.
Houston, TX
4/30/2011
This place is awesome. My dog has a blast here! Tons of room for lots of ball or frisbee play.
The dogs are friendly , well socialized dogs and the people are cooler than the one on westpark, although they do have great amenities there (bathing stations)!
At BBP If you forget a doggie bag, there are some grocery bags at the trashcans.
If you have a water-dog like mine, the bayou is right there and great for a dip. Just make sure the weather has been good and the current isn't too swift.
I think the best thing is it's very natural there. nice rolling field, big trees, and again, the bayou. if you go early in the morning, there are birds (unsure what kind) flying low along the grass. It's pretty cool.
Your dog will get sandy if she/he goes for a a swim in the bayou, but it's an unwritten rule that you can take a short walk up the hill to the fountain where you can have your dog wash off a bit with dip in clean water! -
Review from Jenna N.
Somerville, MA
5/25/2011
I love coming here, I really do. That was until my car was broken into on Monday...in broad daylight...with runners around. It was extremely violating and awful knowing that someone must have seen something at 6:00 pm, one of the busiest times on Allen.
I will still return here but ladies, make sure to put your valuables away before parking. The police said someone had been watching me in my car, saw me put the purse under the seat, and waited for 15 minutes while I leashed my dog and stretched. Creepy and scummy. I want to like this park, but not when some jerk steals my stuff and breaks my window for a mere $11 in cash and a tank of gas on my dime. -
Review from Pam B.
2/20/2011 3 photos
What am I going to do today? Hmmmmmm, the weather is so gorgeous in February (winter??) that I simply must be outdoors to take it all in. Commonly, when I was in Dallas, that is exactly what I would sit around pondering because Dallas (although I truly truly love the city) is seriously lacking in the cool park department. Not so in Houston! An individual looking for some outdoor space should look no further than Buffalo Bayou Park/Sabine Park. In fact, I am actually quite surprised this park only has 12 reviews, either nobody knows about the park or no one is sharing, either way I will tell you what I like.
The "BBP" is actually quite long, stretching from downtown all along the bayou to almost Memorial Park. My favorite area is around Sabine Street into downtown where the scenery is more interesting. In that area you will find the skate park, a promenade into downtown showcasing a couple of interesting art pieces, some of Houstons only "hills", kayak launches, and really good photo ops of downtown Houston. Not to mention if you bike or run you will find nice paths throughout the whole park along with a disc golf course.
So go ahead, give the very popular (and beautiful) Memorial & Hermann Park a break a give something new try. You'll dig it I bet. -
Review from Jaire Q.
10/9/2009
Beautiful.
This is a beautiful park along Allen Parkway. I love it. I always enjoy the sculptures around the park. The fountain is really nice. I guess the only real problem would be the parking, but even that is OK, as long as you get to enjoy the park. I just found out that this park is even better than Memorial, in the sense that there is more space to run or walk, minus the loop. I love the trees, they are older trees and seem to rule the park. I would love to have a picnic there one day. The shade there is awesome! I have already chosen my picnic spot, which I will not share with you because I don't want you to steal my tree (lol!). Definitely visit this park. It really is beautiful.Listed in: The Great Outdoors!
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Review from Emerson F.
Seattle, WA
12/3/2008
Lately I've had some personal issues in my life that have given me the blues. The holiday season certainly isn't helping things lol. So when I get down, or the blues, I head to this park for a lil pick me up.
This park is different from Hermann or Memorial in that it appears to be way more family and dog friendly. I sit on a bench and watch the people and their 4 legged buddies play and frolick in the field below for hours. I dunno, it's just something therapeutic about this park that does it for me. The trails that circle the park are great for bike riding also. There is a nifty little fountain that I've taken many, many pics in front of. Overall it's just a great family friendly park
I had to dock a star because of the smells. The dog area smells like dog crap and there's a general odd, pungent aroma in the area that stinks to high heaven.
Other than that, it's my fav place in Houston to shake the blues. (Sounds like a good list to create). -
Review from MOrgan C.
8/21/2008
This is a wonderful park that winds along either side of the Bayou from Shepard clear to downtown. Accessible to many residential areas by foot.
Two main paths follow the bayou on the north and south sides. The south side is a little busier than the north side as far as foot/bike traffic goes and also has a large and active dog park at the Montrose St overpass.
The north side has a more suburban feel to it because of the tree cover and open fields, the south side runs right along Allen Parkway so there is a lot more going on. There are a few places to cross over the bayou and the south side will take you right into downtown where you can continue on to Discovery Green or cross onto the north side at Sabine Bridge which is a gorgeous foot bridge that is lit up at night. -
Review from Mike W.
11/2/2008
Like a combination of a pro athlete getting his game face on and a teenager getting ready for a night out in Cancun, my dog gets so pumped on the way here. He's been to a few bars, but this is his disco.
Dogs and people of every shape and kind here. I always meet super nice peeps when I come. And it's practically in downtown's shadow - maybe literally in morning. Not sure if Hondo's (my dog) realized that coming to the park is his own little deal with the devil. We come here pretty much every time he gets a bath. He gets exhausted and filthy from running up and down the embankment to the bayou, and I get a dog that barely moves during a much-needed bath. Brilliant!
Easy to get to, but not a lot of parking. This park is great because it's close and huge. It's also wide-open and has no showers so just be aware. But there is a landmark fountain by the Waugh bridge if the pooch needs a rinse ASAP.
If you have a low maintenance dog, lots of people bring lawn chairs and read. It's also big enough to have space to yourself if you prefer. So it's got that going for it, which is nice. Gunga - Galunga -
Review from Brittaney W.
Houston, TX
1/16/2009
When searching for apartments, I looked for two things -
1) Cell phone reception in every nook of the apartment
2) A close by park that has a nice jogging trail with an area for my pup to roam free
I failed on the cell phone reception, but the new place does have a damn good park nearby. The jogging trail is never too crowded like some others nearby (Memorial Park!) and the unofficial dog park (Allen Parkway & Studemont crossing) is amazing. Though I must warn you, if you have a hellian dog, this may not be the place to bring it. The dog park is not fenced in and next to very busy streets.
PS- If you own the adorable little pug that I play with every time I go, sorry. I can't help but steal the little booger's attention for a bit.Listed in: Pups Welcome
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Review from Katherine R.
Houston, TX
8/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love running along the bayou in the morning! There are many trails or paths you can take so you'll always enjoy the scenery without getting bored. There are educational boards by the bat colony on Waugh Dr. and there's a cute dog park south of Waugh Dr. where your four-legged friends can let loose and mingle with other dogs.
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Review from Kim K.
Katy, TX
7/1/2009
When I used to live around this area off of Allen Parkway, my fiance and I would frequent this park a lot. We loved how in the middle of Houston, there was this wonderful, huge park, where you could bike, hike, walk your dog, have picnics, play frisbee, etc. And, there were lots of events always happening around here (except it does suck when they block off allen parkway).
We have biked around buffalo bayou...from shepherd/allen parkway area up to the north/warehouse side of downtown, and back around the park. It was a lovely bike ride and we thoroughly enjoyed the scenary. There's also that fountain where people a lot of times decide to dump a gallon of laundry detergent in as a prank (reminds me of my UT days -- the fountain on campus was always full of soap suds!), and watching on warm days the dogs running around playing in the fountain. Although the fiance and I do not (and still not) have a dog, we are both dog persons! We loved going to the dog park, throwing a frisbee, and dog-watching. There were all sorts of dogs, from German Shepherd to Chihuahua to Great Dane to poodles. We loved it! One day, when we get a dog, our dog will be visiting....
The only downside is how gross the Buffalo Bayou water is. But oh well, not like I actually touch the water! -
Review from David N.
7/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice park in the heart of the city where people can come and jog or bike or just plain relax.
It's more suited for mountain biking but there are some areas which road biking is ok.
The best thing about this area are the rolling hills. It's one of the few places in Houston where people can train for hills either it be for biking or running. It's not GREAT but it does have some elevation if you are tired of dealing with just the Flatness that is Houston.Listed in: Houston: Active Life
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Review from Alex R.
Houston, TX
3/26/2011 33 Check-ins Here
It is truly a great park to go running. The scenery is great. Also great for walking. You must check it out.
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Review from Brandy C.
9/9/2011
I live like five minutes away from here and never have made the trip to come check out the bats. Well, some friends were coming in from the burbs to do just that and I was convinced to grab my kid and check it out. The bad part is that there isn't super convenient parking. I don't think any of us loved parking at Spotts Park and then walking across the bridges to get there with kids. You don't want to fall on to Memorial and you don't want to get hit on Waugh. But once you make it down there, there is suddenly a peace and you're out of Houston. It is pretty with lovely, dramatic trees worth climbing on, lots of different places to sit and watch for the bats and the trails are there. It smells like bat poo, no biggie. You wait for the sun to go down far enough and bam, oodles of bats! Tons of bats to see, they gather and move along. It was really cool for the kids to see and nice to remember that within this concrete jungle is still nature doing it's thang.
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Review from Dave L.
Houston, TX
9/3/2008
I'm so happy I live nearby here because this is my favorite running route in Houston. Approximately 5.5 to 6 mile loop with rolling hills along a very scenic route just outside downtown. Popular with casual mountain bikers and runners but never as crowded as the Memorial Park loop. For longer runs I'll simply run 2 or 3 times around or run to Memorial Park which is about 1.5 miles each way, run the Memorial loop (3 miles) and then come back home. Awesome!
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Run Forrest Run!
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Review from John F.
12/28/2009 1 Check-in Here
I mainly know this place as Allen Parkway because it is right next to Allen Parkway. I've run through here as during several long runs from Memorial and enjoy the scenery as I go by. There aren't as many people around running compared to Memorial but that is a good thing. There are hills on the course, you get to run below the roads and the waugh street bridge has bats living under it. The path can get really muddy after it rains since the asphault looks like it has been dissappearing into the ground in various areas. They are plenty of water stations spaced along the Eleanor Tinsley Jogging trail but I haven't noticed any restrooms on the path, so if you have to go...
Listed in: Places where I like to train…
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Review from Ray E.
Houston, TX
10/31/2008
great place for a nice jog without the crowds or a quick bike ride for cardio without the possibility of flipping over your handlebars. its an easy ride and you still get some rolling inclines. I ride around twice and thats good enough for cardio. the bats stink but it doesnt bother me.
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Review from Dee B.
2/18/2009
My friend and I took a great walk along the bayou pathway, stopping at the wonderful historic park, checking out the views of the city, and ending up with a visit to Bush 41. Truly a cool place to go for a stroll, run or go for a bike ride, especially on a weekday.
Listed in: A Long Weekend in Houston
