Pride Journey Outdoors: Houston, Texas

Houston ranks first among the nation's 10 most populous cities in total acreage of parkland, beating out Phoenix’s 49,254 acres and San Diego’s 45,392 acres. Houston has 52,912 acres of total park space, with 23.6 acres per 1,000 residents, providing plenty of space to spread out.

With 370 parks and more than 200 greenspaces and esplanades, Houston has plenty of space to roam and enjoy the great outdoors. Tranquillity Park, known for its fountains and commemoration of the first landing on the moon, is located in Downtown Houston and is a great spot for a shady outdoor meal or place to sit. The inner loop is also home to Discovery Green and Eleanor Tinsley Park, both hosting all sorts of green space and lush trees. George Bush Park, Hermann Park and Houston Arboretum and Nature Center are also some Houston favorites among outdoorsy locals. For more information about Houston parks, click here.

More than 300 miles of interconnected bikeway allows for hours of rotating those legs to your heart’s content. Houston’s bike share, BCycle allows locals and visitors to grab a bike, ride and return the bike to get around H-town without the need to purchase a bike of your own. The Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trails host miles and miles of biking plus historic sites, artwork and canoe launches. It’s the perfect route to explore lots of Houston and some breathtaking scenery on pedals. Check out all the ways to tour Houston by bike here.

Jog, run, walk or hike on some of Houston’s prettiest trails. Buffalo Bayou, Heights Hike & Bike Trail, George Bush Park, Hermann Park, Memorial Park and the Rice University Loop are some favorites among locals and all boast uniquely beautiful views. Take a casual stroll around Discovery Green where you’ll find plenty of things to do at all times of year. The heart of Downtown Houston hosts dog runs, restaurants with outdoor seating, a beautiful stage for performances, jogging trail, gardens are more. Hiking and running opportunities are endless in Houston — see more information here.

We love to treat our guests to amazing outdoor experiences no matter your interest or hobby. Take time to enjoy H-Town’s numerous parks, awesome zoo and educational nature centers complete with intriguing wildlife, hiking trails and informational tours. For the bird enthusiast, we’ve got plenty of opportunities for you to bird watch or practice your nature photography skills. Traveling with a four-legged friend? No problem. Houston loves dogs and you’ll see that reflected in the numerous dog parks around town. Houston is truly a cosmopolitan city perfectly complemented by Mother Nature.

Explore the wonders of space exploration when Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Following state, local and CDC guidelines, the nonprofit will safely welcome back guests with new exhibits, spacious outdoor experiences and additional health and safety measures at the forefront of its daily operations. Get up close to one of only two SpaceX Falcon 9 boosters on public display, anywhere. Please check the website for reopening information at spacecenter.org.

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Photos Courtesy of Visit Houston

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