The City's Best Outdoor Spots
By Joshua Hinsdale, Houston Editor
Whether you're looking to hit the links, take an afternoon hike or simply find a place to relax, these fresh-air favorites will satisfy your inner athlete.
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Memorial Park
6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
An oasis in urban Houston, this alluring park is paradise for picnickers, tennis players, bikers and joggers. -
Cullen Park
19008 Saums Rd, Houston, TX
The city's largest municipal park boasts more than 10,500 acres of land just west of the Addicks Reservoir. -
Hermann Park
6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX
This shady public space offers trails, picnic areas, a golf course, an amphitheater and the zoo. -
Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM 3005 Rd, Galveston, TX
Stretching along a coastal island barrier on the West Bay's south shore, this park is a 365-day activity center. -
Brazos Bend State Park
21901 FM 762 Rd, Damon, TX
Just an hour south of Houston, this state park covers nearly 5,000 acres of plains, lakes and hiking trails.
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Gleannloch Farms Golf Club
19393 Champion Forest Dr, Spring, TX
A challenging, rustic public course that allows players to work on their total game. -
Memorial Park Golf Course
6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
The crown jewel of the city's central green space, this municipal course is chock-full of Houston history and modern amenities. -
TPC Woodlands
2301 N Millbend Dr, Spring, TX
This tough but forgiving PGA Tour stop makes weekend amateurs feel like pros. -
Hermann Park Golf Course
2155 N Macgregor Dr, Houston, TX
A venerable course featuring tiered greens, elevated tee boxes and a $1 million clubhouse. -
Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course
1700 Sydnor Ln, Galveston, TX
Situated on scenic Sydnor Bayou, it's a pleasant place to play for golfers of all skill levels.
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Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX
An urban wildlife sanctuary for native wildflowers, plants and animals. -
Sam Houston National Forest
394 FM 1375 W, New Waverly, TX
An awe-inspiring, expansive, majestic forest right in Houston's backyard. -
Buffalo Bayou Trail
Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX
Used mostly as a reservoir, this slice of land is the city's most popular recreation spot. -
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX
This Clear Lake-area preserve lets city dwellers enjoy themselves naturally. -
Huntsville State Park
Park Road 40, Huntsville, TX
Campers and boaters flock to the shores of Lake Raven, a big and beautiful Texas lake stocked with fish and fun.
